The No. 3 Penn State Nittany Lions escaped Camp Randall Stadium with a 28-13 win over the Wisconsin Badgers in Week 9 to set up a top-5 matchup with 6-1 Ohio State next Saturday at Beaver Stadium. However, the win was a costly one for James Franklin’s 7-0 Nittany Lions.
Just before halftime, as Wisconsin took a 10-7 lead, Penn State star defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton left the game with an apparent leg injury. Dennis-Sutton came into the game leading the Nittany Lions with 21 quarterback pressure, and after an attempt to return to the field in the second half, the former five-star recruit was lost for the game.
A few minutes after Dennis-Sutton was lost, starting quarterback, and fellow 2022 five-star recruit, Drew Allar was sacked and came up limping. He attempted one more pass before heading to the locker room early for halftime. Allar emerged from the locker room with a brace on his left knee but was unable to return. Backup QB Beau Pribula led two touchdown drives in the second-half comeback, and now Allar’s status is up in the air for next week.
Though there could not be a more significant loss than the team’s starting quarterback, another key piece of the offense also left the game. Starting right tackle Anthony Donkoh did not play in the second half after sustaining an injury and was replaced by former Wisconsin Badger Nolan Rucci. Donkoh beat out Rucci for the starting right tackle spot in fall camp.
Ohio State has injury issues of its own on the offensive line, but if Allar is unable to go, Penn State could miss its best chance to beat the Buckeyes since a one-point loss in 2018. James Franklin has only beaten Ohio State once in his 10 seasons leading Penn State, back in 2016 at Beaver Stadium.
Dani Dennis-Sutton Injury Update
Dennis-Sutton, a key part of the Penn State defense, was seen clutching his right leg after making a tackle near the end of the first half against Wisconsin. The injury appeared to be non-contact, and after initially attempting to return to the game, he was ruled out for the remainder of the contest.
Drew Allar Injury Update
Allar exited the game in the second quarter after being sacked on a play where he attempted to throw the ball away. He appeared to be in pain, favoring his left leg. He came out for the second half with a brace on his left knee but was unable to return. It is unclear how serious the injury is, but it puts a significant question mark on his status for next week's game against Ohio State.
Penn State's Next Game
The Nittany Lions have a quick turnaround as they host their biggest rival, the Ohio State Buckeyes, next Saturday at Beaver Stadium. This game will be a major test for Penn State, and the team will need to hope that they can get some of their key players back to full health.
Injuries Could Derail Title Hopes
Penn State is undefeated, and the team's performance against Wisconsin showed that they are a legitimate national title contender. However, these injuries could derail their hopes of reaching the College Football Playoff. The Nittany Lions will need to rely on the depth of their roster and the coaching staff's ability to adapt to these challenges to get back on track.
Looking Ahead
The Nittany Lions will be looking to bounce back from these injuries and keep their undefeated season alive. The team will need to rely on their depth and the coaching staff's ability to adapt to these challenges to get back on track. The next week will be crucial as the team prepares to face Ohio State in a game that could decide the Big Ten championship.
