Mark Allen suffers season-ending injury

Absent from Penn State's travel roster Friday in Illinois, running back Mark Allen was not specified in why he didn't make the trip for what turned out to be a 63-24 win for the Nittany Lions.

Tuesday afternoon, head coach James Franklin provided clarity.

Wrapping up his series of opening statements previewing Penn State's game against No. 4-ranked Ohio State this weekend at Beaver Stadium, Franklin said that Allen, a fifth-year senior, had suffered a season-ending injury and would not return.

"As you know, I don't typically get into injuries a whole lot, but with Mark being a senior and this being a season-ending injury... I wanted to mention that to you guys," said Franklin.

For the season, Allen began as the top backup to Miles Sanders and produced accordingly. On 24 total carries, Allen generated 99 yards and a pair of touchdowns on the ground to go along with four receptions for 25 yards.

In what would prove to be his final game with the Nittany Lions, Allen rushed for a career-high 62 yards on 11 carries, including a 7-yard touchdown, before ultimately suffering an injury to what appeared to be his left leg.

Though Allen's injury will force the finish to his Penn State career, Franklin said he is still confident in what the Maryland product can do moving forward.

"Mark's got a very bright future. he's going to be very successful in whatever he chooses to do," said Franklin. "He's talking a little bit about getting into coaching, but we've got a lot of love and respect for Mark and what he's been able to do."