Update: Coach James Franklin provided an encouraging update on both players.
James Franklin said he has โconfidenceโthat WR Harrison Wallace III and CB Elliot Washington II โwill be availableโ to play against Oregon in the Big Ten Championship
— Seth Engle (@bigsengtweets) December 4, 2024
It looks like Penn State could have two important players back for the Big Ten Championship Game.
The teamโs top receiver, Harrison Wallace III, was seen at during the mediaโs weekly practice viewing window Wednesday.
So was Elliot Washington II, a second-year player who has become a key contributor at defensive back.
CB Elliot Washington II is an active participant at practice after being listed as inactive the past two games pic.twitter.com/KXWKlEmwEy
— Lyle Alenstein (@LAlenstein) December 4, 2024
Wallace ended up being a late scratch for Saturdayโs 44-7 Senior Day win over Maryland at Beaver Stadium. Washington has been out longer, getting hurt in the teamโs 49-10 win at Purdue Nov. 16. He didnโt play the next week at Minnesota or against Maryland, which did lead to increased reps for Audavion Collins.
WHAT HAVING WALLACE BACK WOULD MEAN
Photo by Matt Lynch, Nittany Sports Now: Harrison Wallace III
Penn State didnโt need its leading receiver to beat Maryland but the No. 1 team in the country is a bit of a different animal than a team that finished 4-8.
On the season, Wallace has 35 catches for 579 yards and three touchdowns.
Heโs second to superstar tight end Tyler Warren among Penn Stateโs pass catchers in receptions and yards and leads Penn Stateโs wide receivers in both categories. Wallace had the best game of his career Week 1, catching five passes for 117 yards and two scoresโ all in the first halfโ in a 34-12 win at West Virginia. He also had a big game against Washington Nov. 9, catching five passes for 84 yards in a 35-6 win.
MR. WASHINGTON GOES TO INDY?
Photo by Matt Lynch, Nittany Sports Now: Elliot Washington II
Washington didnโt get much playing time in 2023, which is normal for a true freshman. This year, heโs taken on an increased role. Per Pro Football Focus, Washington played 82 snaps last season. This year, heโs played 289. But only nine of those snaps came against Purdue. In Washingtonโs absence, Collins stepped up, playing a season-high 28 snaps. He allowed two receptions for 48 yards.
Penn State is scheduled to take on Oregon at 8 on Fox for the Big Ten Championship.
