Watch: Penn State head coach James Franklin recaps loss to Northwestern

Penn State suffered its third straight loss in what’s become a season to forget, losing to Northwestern, 22-21. If the loss wasn’t enough, the Nittany Lion fans also saw quarterback Drew Allar leave the game late with an ankle injury. Head coach James Franklin confirmed after the game that Allar is done for the season.

“Drew will be done for the year,” Franklin said after the game.

Backup Ethan Grunkemeyer came into the game on fourth down with the game on the line, but was ultimately stuffed well short of the first down. With three minutes remaining, the Nittany Lions never got the ball back, with Northwestern converting two first downs to ice the clock.

Now, with Allar out for the season, this season becomes all about development for Grunkemeyer. However, there’s a lot that needs to be fixed if Penn State is going to maximize Grunkemeyer’s potential through the final six games. That starts at wide receiver.

Highs & Lows: Penn State drops 22-21 decision to Northwestern

On Saturday, Devonte Ross had a solid day statistically, totaling seven receptions for 115 yards. However, Trebor Pena and Kyron Hudson combined for three receptions each. The tight ends had no receptions, while Nick Singleton had just two receptions for six yards.

Running back Kaytron Allen did take the majority of the carries in the run game, totaling 16 rushes to just six for Singleton, but in the end, the passing attack remains the most important issue holding this offense back.

Franklin made it clear after the game that he understands fans’ frustration.

“For me, it’s always been about our players and those guys are hurting right now and the fans are frustrated, and I get it. I totally get it, I totally get it. We have great fans here. We have unbeleivable support. I understand their frustration, trust me. We’re as frustrated as anybody, the guys in the locker room. But ultimately, it’s about the guys, the guys in the locker room. They’re hurting in there.

“I’d do anything I could to take that hurt away from them, but like I told them, we got to stick together. We got to tune out all the noise and we got to get to work. That’s the only answer: get to work. We’ve had some adversity in the past, not like this, but we’re going to get to work. I love those kids. I’m committed to those players in that locker room.”