There is a lot for third-ranked Penn State to be happy about as the team enters its second bye week of the season. All three new coordinators, Andy Kotelnicki (offense), Tom Allen (defense), and Justin Lustig (special teams) have their parts of the team playing very well. Tyler Warren has proven himself to be one of the best tight ends in the nation. In fact, he may be one of the best overall players in the nation. However, quarterback Drew Allar has been a constant who is not getting enough attention and accolades. This season, it’s all coming together for the Penn State offense and Allar.
All Coming Together for Penn State Offense
Who is Drew Allar?
Allar is in his second season as Penn State’s starting quarterback. He is also working with his second offensive coordinator. As a five-star recruit out of Medina, Ohio, Allar has had to shoulder high expectations from the very beginning. While he has statistically been solid, the main criticism about Allar is his ability to win the big games. Critics point to the performances he’s had against the highest level competition, and that his stats were padded against lesser opponents.
In a thrilling 33-30 overtime win over USC, Allar showed a lot of development. Not only were his statistics good, but he showed toughness and leadership. He is known for his preparation, and that is starting to bear fruit on the field. However, Penn State is in the midst of the toughest part of its schedule. His ability to overcome the criticisms about not beating quality opponents will determine the team’s success this season. In short, Allar is a talented quarterback with lingering questions about winning the big games.
All Coming Together Statistically for Allar
Allar took the keys to the offense in 2023, and put up good statistics. He played in all 13 of the team’s games, completing 59.9% of his passes for 2,631 yards with 26 touchdowns and only two interceptions. However, it was a different story against top teams. Facing Ohio State, he completed 18 of 42 passes (42.9%) for 191 yards and a touchdown. Michigan held Allar to a 43.5% completion percentage, for only 70 yards and a touchdown. In the Peach Bowl against Ole Miss, Allar completed 48.7% of his throws for 291 yards, with two touchdowns and an interception.
This season, his statistics are continuing to progress. With Kotelnicki entering the picture, and with Allar’s continued maturation as a quarterback, players like tight end Warren, receiver Trey Wallace, and running backs Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen have been the beneficiaries. Through the first six games, Allar has completed over 70% of his passes for 1,492 yards with 11 touchdowns and four interceptions.
In the win over USC, Allar threw three interceptions. While that number eclipsed his interception total for all of last season, his continued development as a quarterback showed. Last year, he would have been conservative through the game, minimizing mistakes. However, Penn State’s coaches and fans would much rather see the current version of Allar. Against the Trojans, he was poised in the second half. He avoided the pass rush, was strong in the pocket, and trusted his teammates. In the pivotal fourth quarter, he delivered two clutch throws to Julian Fleming, who had a bad drop earlier on. This all bodes well for Allar and the team with its tougher upcoming schedule.
Running the Ball
Throwing the ball well comes naturally for Allar. However, he is showing his ability to run the ball as well. This has been shown through necessity (avoiding pass rushers) as well as through design (planned runs). His continued development as a runner contributes to it all coming together for Allar.
In his career, Allar has 122 carries for 379 yards. He has also scored eight touchdowns. This season he has carried only six times, but half of those carries have resulted in three touchdowns. Allar will never be mistaken for a run-first quarterback, but his running ability creates optionality. Kotelnicki has proven to be a great play-caller, especially when he has such optionality to work with. Backup Beau Pribula is more of a running threat at the quarterback position, but Allar has proven his ability to hold his own in this area.
Leadership
A mostly unwritten part of a quarterback’s job description is leadership. The quarterback is an extension of the coaching staff. Allar has succeeded in the leadership department and was named one of the team’s six captains this season. At the time, head coach James Franklin talked about the respect that everyone on the team has for Allar. He has shown leadership both on and off the field.
Over the past offseason, Allar dedicated himself to leading the Nittany Lions. He dove into a new playbook with a new offensive coordinator. He also dedicated himself to strength and conditioning. While he dropped 10 pounds, he has been a more powerful runner this year. This development helps the team by providing that optionality that Kotelnicki does well with. It also shows the dedication of one of the captains.
The greatest tests of Allar’s leadership, and abilities on the field, are yet to come. Penn State’s next game, coming off their second and last bye, is in Wisconsin against a Badgers team that just dismantled Rutgers 42-7. Wisconsin will be looking to make a statement against the #3 team in the nation. Allar will need to ensure the team doesn’t look past them to what is looming the following week. Returning home to Happy Valley, Penn State will welcome Ohio State. Penn State will not win those games if they fail to get off to a good start. That issue has plagued the team this season. Allar will need to be at the forefront of reversing that trend.
The Big Ten standings will be on the line. A potential spot in the College Football Playoffs will be on the line. Additionally, Drew Allar will have the chance to prove it’s all coming together for him. It’s time.
