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UNIVERSITY PARK -- A backup quarterback's job seems easy until he's pushed into emergency duty in a moment's notice.
There usually aren't a lot of reps in practice for the second stringer, and QB coaches have prepared with the starter all week.
But Beau Pribula certainly aced the test when Drew Allar had to exit Saturday's game in the third quarter with an injury, finishing with 71 yards rushing on eight carries and a score in a 27-6 win over Rutgers on Senior Day at Beaver Stadium.
It also wasn't the easiest time to be summoned, just six days removed from the firing of Mike Yurcich as offensive coordinator and QBs coach.
But despite the ouster of Yurcich and the promotion of offensive analyst Danny O'Brien to quarterbacks coach, Pribula said it was still a normal week of preparation.
"The change happened, but I don't think anybody flinched," Pribula said. "I think that was really important. The whole offensive coaching staff created a great game plan."
And, yeah, about that game plan.
Many will say, "It's only Rutgers," which is far from the elites of the Big Ten. But the Scarlet Knights play good defense.
They're ranked fifth in the Big Ten in total yards given up but are 10th in rush defense, which was where the Lions exploited Rutgers the most.
The Lions ran for 235 yards with Pribula leading the way.
Once he came in for Allar, the Lions ran 17 straight times.
Penn State didn't need to throw, but Pribula also completed the only pass he threw -- a 9-yard dumpoff to tight end Tyler Warren.
"Beau Pribula came in and really did a great job, specifically with his legs," PSU coach James Franklin said. "He gave us a little bit more diversity in the running game, which was helpful for us."
Pribula saw a little bit of action in the first half, but needed to assume the starter role after Allar, coincidentally, took a shot after an 8-yard gain on a QB draw.
His next pass was an errant throw on a screen pass, and Allar never returned to the field. He was seen grimacing while flexing his right arm and shoulder on the sideline.
But Pribula said nobody batted an eye in the huddle when his number was called.
"There was a moment of concern for Drew, but then it's next man up," said offensive tackle Olu Fashanu. "Bo has earned our trust."
"Bo has always been ready for the moment," tight end Theo Johnson said. "He came into the huddle and said, 'I got you guys.' Everyone has tremendous respect and trust for him."
And as for the new staff changes with Ja'Juan Seider and Ty Howle splitting the offensive coordinator duties?
"I thought both Ja'Juan and Ty did a really nice job all week long, not only from an organizational standpoint, but also from a leadership standpoint," Franklin said.
Whether Pribula will be the guy when Penn State goes to Detroit to face Michigan State on a short week on Friday night remains to be seen, but Franklin said he doesn't think Allar's injury is going to be a significant one.
They will need Allar again, especially if the Lions finish 10-2 and get a premier bowl game against Alabama, Washington, Oregon or Mississippi.
But the wrinkles the new offensive staff came up with for Pribula on Saturday should be notable for this season and beyond.
Andy Stine can be reached at astine@altoonamirror.com. He can be followed on X at @RiseAndStine.