Quarterback Drew Allar and running back Nick Singleton have been solid in second-ranked Penn State’s first two games, but they have not had lights-out performances.
Nittany Lions football coach James Franklin said Monday that he believes both of them are thinking too much, trying to be perfect and not playing free and easy.
Allar admitted after a 34-0 victory over FIU last weekend that he was overthinking, which led to him missing open receivers.
“There were a couple times when he missed a really easy throw that he makes 99.9% of the time and it frustrated him,” Franklin said. “If you’re not careful, that will linger. That happened early in the game. I think he got frustrated with himself a few times and it lingered.”
One of those throws was to a wide-open Singleton in the second quarter. It sailed several feet wide of him.
“We had that bubble (screen) to Nick that I just completely missed on third down,” Allar said. “I’m just overthinking it. In reality, I made that throw all week in practice. So it’s just going out there and shutting my brain and going out and playing.
“As frustrating as it is, I know it’s easily correctable.”
Singleton, a preseason first-team All-American from Gov. Mifflin, carried eight times for 19 yards in the opener against Nevada.
He was better against the Panthers, running 13 times for 76 yards. But on at least two rushes, he chose the wrong hole and was stopped for short gains.
“I had a conversation with Nick (Sunday),” Franklin said. “A little bit like Drew, I think he was thinking too much. We’re going to coach the heck out of them Sunday through Friday. When you wake up Saturday, just go play.
“I think he’s trying to be perfect. He’s such a good kid and he’s so coachable, he’s trying to do all of the things that are asked of him. That’s not what Saturdays are for. Go play. Let it rip.”
Singleton’s longest rush in the first two games was a 16-yard burst in the first quarter against FIU. His only gain longer than that was a 22-yard reception against Nevada.
Last season, he had four runs of at least 24 yards in the first two games against West Virginia and Bowling Green.
This year as a team, Penn State has six completions of at least 20 yards and two runs, a 20-yarder and a 67-yarder by Kaytron Allen against FIU. That’s well short of Franklin’s 20% goal for explosive plays.
“Making the free hitter miss in the running game,” he said, “straining the (pass) protection a little longer and making a few more of the throws … if you do a little bit better in each of those areas, now all of a sudden you’re close to 20%.”
Allar’s numbers aren’t bad. He’s completed 69.5% of his passes for 417 yards and three touchdowns without a turnover.
Like Singleton, he’s been effective but not brilliant. The Lions might need two of their best offensive players to be at their best when Big Ten play begins later this month.
“When you have people who have invested the amount that a guy like Drew has invested,” Franklin said, “moving on to the next play and not getting frustrated and upset with yourself is easier said than done.
“No matter what happens on the previous play, you have to flush it. Each play is its own entity. You have to make sure you’re maximizing it. The only way you maximize it is to be present. You can’t live in the past. You can’t live in the future. You must be present.”
Franklin said Allar met with him, quarterbacks coach Danny O’Brien and assistant quarterbacks coach Trace McSorley Saturday night. After talking with Singleton, Franklin met with running backs coach Stan Drayton and assistant running backs coach Charles Walker.
“He’s getting coached in some areas that I think are going to be important for his growth,” Franklin said about Singleton. “I see him getting better. I think we’ll be in a good place there.”
Source: Berkshire mont
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