Can Drew Allar take Penn State to next level
A change is on its way in Happy Valley. The talk of the town has been for sophomore quarterback Drew Allar, but why?
Despite an 11-2 record in 2022 that ended with a Rose Bowl trip and ring, the Penn State faithful have more faith than ever in the team. The easy answer is that sixth-year quarterback Sean Clifford has packed his bags and headed off to Green Bay, but that’s not all.
The real answer is the build, athleticism, maturity and presence of Allar on the field that is felt across the stadium.
While the Medina, Ohio, native didn’t get much playing time in 2022, the film presented by the freshman showed massive leap’s from his 2022 Blue and White game appearance.
The eye-catching change in Allar’s game started in Penn State’s season opener against Purdue. As the Nittany Lions took the field after halftime, the Penn State faithful lost their minds behind their television screens as Allar trotted onto the field to lead the offense.
With a 21-17 lead in hostile territory, Allar led the offense with 11:11 on the clock in the third quarter. Going two of four for 26 yards and two first downs, Penn State punted after a perfect pass was dropped on third down.
Clifford returned to the game and led a game-winning touchdown drive to win 35-31. While everyone was talking about the win, the thought of Allar potentially starting remained in the back of Penn State fans.
That thought was thrust into the front of the fans' minds the next week when Penn State hosted Ohio in Beaver Stadium. Allar came in relief after Clifford put the team up big and threw for two 25-plus-yard scores in eight attempts.
Already the team, media and fans got to see the poise of Allar in a critical road contest and the refined athleticism in front of a crowd of 107 thousand people.
As experience began to build under the former Medina High School quarterbacks belt, a true test against an elite defense was presented.
After an absolute beat down in the third quarter, Penn State fans looked away as their team was down 34-17 against No. 5 Michigan on the road. With the game out of reach, Allar game in to gain valuable reps and potentially light a spark in the offense.
Allar kicked his first drive off with a first-down pass to Mitchell Tinsley before the offense stalled out on fourth down. The freshman got another shot at it but failed to convert on fourth down.
The 41-17 loss showed the world that Penn State was still unworthy of taking down Michigan but gave us a look into Allar’s pocket presence. As pressure found its way to Allar, the freshman maneuvered and delivered intelligent decisions and on-point passes.
The next milestone in his young career came on the road to Indiana when Allar threw for a season-high nine completions and two touchdowns. The ability to extend plays, stretch the field and throw dimes downfield were all presented against the Big Ten East rival.
Wrapping the year up, Allar continued to flash his talents on minimum reps and build connections with his teammates as his redshirt was burned.
Now, as Clifford and other veterans depart from the team, Allar and the new core of players are looked to as the leaders of the team.
While the gunslinging sophomore takes the first potential start of his career on Sept. 2, Penn State fans will be able to see Allar’s true talents up close. However, will it be enough to get this team over the hump and into the promised land?
A Big Ten Championship and trip to the playoffs has long been a dream just out of reach of Penn State in the past. With Allar now in control of the program, the time could be now, but it will take more than Allar’s basic talents to get the job done.
The 19-year-old has to balance the pressure and expectations of being a Penn State quarterback while expanding his play. At the end of 2022, we saw that play expand with his legs and decisions on when and when not to throw the ball away.
The 6-foot-5 243-pound quarterback is a lengthy and strong runner that will need to extend plays in order to take this offense to the next level.
As fans await the clock to countdown to zero and get the season rolling, Allar and Penn State football are gearing up for a potential season for the history books.
Micheal Bolger is a junior majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, please email mpb6233@psu.edu.
