SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Penn State quarterback Drew Allar often finds that even when he receives commendation, it tends to feel like a backhanded compliment. Comments about his abilities usually focus on him being a good game manager or keeping within himself, with mentions that while he may not be the flashiest player, his presence gives the team a fighting chance. However, what’s crucial to recognize is the success of Penn State since Allar has taken the helm; the Nittany Lions have managed to win numerous games. Yet, this success sometimes gets overshadowed by the tepid responses from the fan base.
“I understand the passion our fans have; they’re a huge part of our success,” Allar stated during the College Football Playoff quarterfinals media day. He expressed that the team aims to score a touchdown on every drive, and when they don’t succeed, the frustration resonates within the entire squad.
Despite a mixed reception from supporters, Allar is having an impressive season. He has completed over 68% of his passes, racking up 3,021 yards, 21 touchdowns, and seven interceptions while leading the sixth-seeded Nittany Lions to a remarkable 12-2 record and a spot in the upcoming Fiesta Bowl against the third-seed Boise State.
In a college football landscape dominated by high-octane offenses, Allar’s straightforward style has drawn some criticism. The Penn State offense primarily relies on the strong running duo of Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen, leading to a more conservative approach. “If we had a nickel for every Monday morning quarterback saying meaningless stuff, we’d be rich,” Penn State’s offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki noted. He added that a significant aspect of being a quarterback, particularly at Penn State, revolves around handling and managing such criticism.
Allar, now 20 years old, has made considerable progress in this area after a challenging 2023 season, which ended with a 10-3 record. He credits this growth to stepping away from social media once fall camp kicked off in August. Negative experiences had begun to weigh heavily on him last year, and instances of his phone number being leaked just intensified his anxiety. Ultimately, he recognized that trying to control public opinion was futile and opted to eliminate a distraction that wasn’t serving him well.
“I’ve felt much more mentally liberated, even if that sounds odd,” Allar remarked. “That’s been a significant factor in my performance this year.”
One of the more pervasive criticisms aimed at Allar—and Penn State throughout the lengthy tenure of coach James Franklin—is their perceived inability to perform in high-stakes situations. This includes his 0-2 record against Ohio State and a critical interception that occurred late in the Big Ten title game against Oregon. Allar’s performance in the CFP’s first round was also lackluster, as he completed only 13 of 22 passes for 127 yards against SMU in a cold, windy game. However, he is optimistic about showcasing a stronger performance in the upcoming Fiesta Bowl, especially given the more favorable conditions of a dome environment.
“To improve, I need to hit those early, easy throws to help get our offense into a rhythm,” Allar explained. He knows that achieving early success could lead to a longer drive, increase play-calling opportunities, and, in turn, expand the offensive playbook.
While Allar may attract skepticism from certain segments of the Penn State fan base, he enjoys support from his teammates. Star tight end Tyler Warren praised him as a player who avoids sacks and brings substantial toughness to the field, emphasizing that Allar’s energy resonates well with the offensive unit.
“He’s just a football player,” Warren stated. “He not only plays quarterback, but his approach and the way he runs the ball energizes our offense.”
Now, Allar and the Nittany Lions are poised to address the doubts from critics regarding their ability to perform in significant games. Nonetheless, Allar remains unfazed by external perceptions.
“I believe it’s a skill to block out outside noise,” Allar concluded. “Staying focus on the process and being honest with yourself—acknowledging both your strengths and weaknesses—is essential.”
