How much did Penn State miss departed change-of-pace QB Beau Pribula in narrow CFP loss to Notre Dame?

Penn State’s 2025 outlook improved dramatically when starting quarterback Drew Allar announced his return for one more season with the Nittany Lions on Dec. 16. Allar gives the program a veteran arm with proven Big Ten production in an era where it’s increasingly difficult to retain important assets. 

But Allar’s decision had the unintended consequence of driving key backup Beau Pribula to the transfer portal less than a week before the College Football Playoff began. Pribula did not remain with Penn State through the postseason and committed to Missouri on Dec. 22. 

Pribula’s absence was not immediately felt. Penn State eased past SMU in the first round — thanks in large part to a strong defensive effort — and Allar threw three touchdowns in the Nittany Lions’ quarterfinal win against Boise State. 

All the while tight end Tyler Warren served as a wildcat quarterback in rushing packages — a role that Pribula served during the regular season. Allar, and Penn State, met a stone wall in their Orange Bowl semifinal game against Notre Dame. 

The Nittany Lions and Fighting Irish traded blows until late in the fourth quarter, when Allar — who had two potential interceptions negated by defensive penalties — threw his first actual interception of the game on a panic-induced decision, allowing Notre Dame to take over deep in Penn State territory. The Fighting Irish kicked a game-deciding 41-yard field goal off of the turnover. 

Allar finished with an inefficient 12 completions on 23 attempts and 135 yards. He wasn’t directly responsible for a single score but did toss the game’s defining turnover. In the wake of Allar’s struggles, many clamored for the lost Pribula on social media. 

But would Pribula have made much of a difference? As…

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Author : Will Backus

Publish date : 2025-01-10 22:17:00

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