Penn State vs Ohio State of week 9 is shaping up to be a must-win game for both programs but for different reasons. For Ohio State, it is their last gasp to keep the playoff hope alive after a heartbreaking loss against Oregon. On the flip, the match is not the same do-or-die fight for the Nittany Lions, but a win will enable them to chuck their dominance over the conference even more-letting the world know they are here to do more than just clinch the ticket to the playoff. But heading to a confident home showdown, James Franklin has a little hole under his belt as Quarterback Drew Aller’s apparent leg injury during the Wisconsin banger is stirring up tension. Can Beau Pribula capitalize on his chance and make it a blessing in disguise? Veteran analyst weighs in. 

The game against the Buckeyes has been haunting Penn State for years. Each year, they have to retreat empty-handed fighting the Ryan Day troop. It’s high time and the loss loop needs to be shaken off, something Franklin and his seasoned coach merit knows the best. Last game, they ran a flabbergasting game with Drew Allar being the key architect until his injury got the best. But, to all the Nittany Lions guys, take it easy, please. It might be just a destiny trick to shift the focus to the future Tom Brady of the team. Recollecting the sight of backup QB Pribula leading the second half with some stupefying throws, Tyler Warren noted, ”He shot the thing right between two Defenders and I, You know, I don’t want to devalue Pribula because I think he’s a really good player but that was a Tom he made two Tom Brady throws.”

The comparison may seem lofty, but it’s warranted given what Pribula accomplished in saving the team after Allar signed out. The other QB recruit from Allar’s 2022 class impressed, going 11/13 for 98 yards and a touchdown, while adding six carries for 28 yards. Notably, the dual-threat quarterback is renowned for his athletic ability, but his performance at Camp Randall Stadium showcased an unexpected dimension to his skillset, highlighting his versatility. You might wonder how the redshirt sophomore stepped in and orchestrated a victory on short notice, but it all stems from his mindset.

”It wasn’t really hard. Had to settle in a little bit and my teammates had my back. My coach Danny O’Brien does a great job of keeping the mindset of preparing as a starter. I didn’t want to let my teammates down. ” said the standout Penn State star coming off a shutout performance. The Tom Braddy comparison is a feather in his cap, but the long-term consistency demands something else. 

Consistent decision-making is the key for Beau Pribula to sustain the pace

The coach rightly justified the Pennsylvania native- saying he made plays with his feet, his arms, and his mind. Starting the quarterback position is a perfect stretch for him to chisel out the winner within him. But then, the way the young prodigy already set the bar high, analyst Warren didn’t think there should be a question about whether he could pull off a great start for his team at this point. The question, rather is, how much sustainable it will be, how he will keep the momentum going. 

”We can start saying he is Tom Brady yet can he consistently make the right decisions in the passing game and put the ball where it needs to go, that’s the main question,” said the Triple Option host. The concern sounds legit, but not impossible for the guy who grew up with the dream to play for the Nittany Lions every fall. When he finally got a chance to play as a backup behind the guy in the same class recruit (Drew Allar), he didn’t look out for the better. He was clear in his loyalty, despite being deprived of the starting position so far. 

 So if Aller can’t show up, maybe the biggest fanboy turned QB will deliver the team their biggest team on the road at Happy Valley. Who knows! What’s your take on Beau Prinula garnering Tom Braddy’s comparison ahead of his biggest responsibility this week? Let us know in the comments.