STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — After the firing of their offensive coordinator earlier that week and seeing starting quarterback Drew Allar leave with an injury in the third quarter of Penn State's game with Rutgers, the Nittany Lions, alongside their fans, needed a spark.
That's where Central York graduate Beau Pribula comes into play. With PSU leading 10-6, the Nittany Lions backup quarterback picked up a 39-yard run in his fist snap after entering the game; it was the longest run by anyone in Beaver Stadium on Saturday.
"I always prepare as if I'm the starter, no matter what the circumstances. I did it all of last year even when I was on the fourth string," said Pribula, after helping lead PSU to a 27-6 win over the Black Knights.
The Nittany Lion coaches only let Pribula throw once in the half of action that he was on the field, but it was a nine-yard completion. Anyone who watched him play at Central York knows that he's dangerous using his legs, and now Rutgers knows that too.
"I think it does create some opportunities for the running backs when the defense does have to worry about me as a runner as well. My job is, even if I don't have the ball, to carry out my fakes and open up running lanes for them," added Pribula, after rushing eight times for 71 yards and a touchdown.
Nittany Lion running back Kaytron Allen found the endzone twice, to go with his 16 rushes for 69 yards.
Penn State's offense has had a hectic week, which began with the firing of Offensive Coordinator Mike Yurcich on Sunday.
Saturday was the first time that Penn State fans saw what offense would look like under the direction of Running Back Coach Ja'Juan Seider and Tight End Coach Ty Howle, who are serving as co-offensive coordinators.
"You know, the change happened, but I don't think anybody flinched and I think that was really important," recalled Pribula. "All week long, the leaders did a great job. The whole offensive coaching staff put together a good game plan. Nobody flinched, whether it was with the change or the injury."
Penn State improves to 9-2 this season and 6-2 in Big Ten play. They will wrap up the regular season on the road at Michigan State next Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
