Drew Allar understands that criticism comes with being the starting quarterback at a place like Penn State.
He knows that the Nittany Lions’ championship hopes ride on how he plays in the biggest games.
The first one this season is Saturday night against defending Big Ten champion Oregon at Beaver Stadium, a top 10 duel.
This isn’t a career-defining game for Allar, but it’s another one in which he can quiet his critics and show the world that he’s a top-flight quarterback.
“You know going into this game that it’s going to be a heavyweight fight between two really talented teams with really great coaching staffs,” Allar said. “It’s going to be a fun matchup from that standpoint.
“They’re going to land shots. We’re going to land shots. It’s just about how you’re able to respond to those things.”
For eight months, Allar has lived with throwing a last-minute interception in the Orange Bowl that led to Notre Dame’s game-winning field goal in a College Football Playoff semifinal.
He didn’t have a great game against the Irish or in a 20-13 loss to Ohio State last November.
He was mostly brilliant, though, in comeback wins on the road against USC and Minnesota. He played well against Oregon in the Big Ten title game, accounting for four touchdowns. But he threw two interceptions, including one late in the fourth quarter that cost the Lions a chance at a tie.
“I took a lot of things away from that game,” Allar said. “Overall I think I played pretty well. Obviously the two turnovers hurt us. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter what I did last year. We’re a different team. They’re a different team.
“Everybody has grown and gotten better on both teams. Just because I had a good game last year doesn’t mean I’m guaranteed to have a good game this year.”
During what amounted to a three-game preseason schedule, Allar posted solid numbers – not spectacular ones – as he developed timing with wide receivers Kyron Hudson, Trebor Pena and Devonte Ross, who all transferred to Penn State.
These are the best group of wideouts that Allar has had as a starter.
“There’s always room to grow no matter if they’re new to the program or not,” he said. “That’s an ongoing thing. You’re always building chemistry throughout the week. We’ve done a really good job with those three guys specifically. I’m really excited to play another game with those guys.”
Even though Penn State is averaging 44.0 points per game, the offense has looked like a work in progress at times. It hasn’t been in rhythm. The Lions have struggled to finish drives, often settling for field goals.
Franklin said Allar has been overthinking things. He wants the quarterback to play free and easy, like he did when he threw a 23-yard rocket to Pena for a touchdown against Villanova. He wants him to “let it rip.”
Allar mentioned the word “fun” several times during an interview this week.
“When the game kicks off, that’s when you just go out and play football,” he said.
Since Allar became the highest-rated high school quarterback to commit to Penn State, the expectations have been off the charts. He’s had a very good career to this point, but he has not yet delivered a championship. Maybe he never will.
Facing powerful opponents like Oregon and playing in big games like Saturday’s are part of why he and several classmates returned to Penn State instead of turning pro.
This is the time to cut it loose and enjoy the stage.
“Not really,” Allar said when asked if he thought about the game’s stakes. “It’s about going 1-0 every week, never looking into the future and never looking back at the past. It’s about staying present.
“At the end of the day, it’s football. It’s a game that we all love to play and enjoy. It’s about going out there, executing the game plan and having fun.”
Source: Berkshire mont