PSU

PSU teammates feel badly for QB Allar

UNIVERSITY PARK --Drew Allar's career at Penn State is over.

The senior quarterback suffered a left ankle injury with three minutes left in Saturday's 22-21 loss to Northwestern and was helped off the field.

Allar was tackled by Northwestern's Mac Uihlein after a 1-yard gain on third-and-4 at the Nittany Lions' 31-yard line.

He writhed in pain and was attended to by the PSU medical team. Though he hobbled off the field, with assistance, Allar was then taken to the locker room on a golf cart.

Shortly afterward, James Franklin, who typically does not confirm injuries immediately after games, declared that Allar is out for the year.

Franklin said he disclosed the news because Allar's family gave him the OK to do so.

Most of the players made available afterward learned of Allar's fate from the media.

"My heart goes out to Drew," guard TJ Shanahan said. "It just sucks. He's a great leader, he's a great person, and I think he's one hell of a quarterback. He's worked so hard all season to be the best person he can be and the best leader he can be. We're going to be there for him."

Allar completed 13-of-20 against the Wildcats for 137 yards. He also rushed six times for 25 yards and a touchdown.

Allar finished the season with 1,100 passing yards, nine touchdowns and three interceptions. For his career, he threw for 7,402 yards and 61 touchdowns.

Fellow senior Zane Durant said Allar "really grew into the leader role."

Ethan Grunkemeyer came in on fourth down after Allar was hurt and was stopped short of running for a first down. That led to NW melting out the clock.

Grunkemeyer, a sophomore, will likely be the starter when the Lions head to Iowa on Saturday night.

"I got belief in Grunk," Dani Dennis-Sutton said.

"I love Grunk, and I have nothing but praise for him," Shanahan said.

Jaxon Smolik, an Iowa native, will be in line to become the new backup.