OPINION: Are the critics Penn State QB Drew Allar right?

Editor’s note: This is an opinion piece and reflects the thoughts and opinions of the author.

It’s no secret that Drew Allar has been one of the most anticipated QB prospects in the modern era of Penn State football. The Nittany Lions QB is a former five-star recruit and was the top-ranked player at the position in the 2022 class.

As the backup to Sean Clifford in 2022, Allar was able to learn and even get playing time. When Clifford departed after the season, fans and media alike were ready for the future with Allar at the helm. Many predicted that his arrival would propel Penn State to new heights immediately.

However, at the conclusion of the 2023 regular season, Penn State found itself in a familiar position. The Nittany Lions won 10 games, but lost to Ohio State and Michigan. Drew Allar’s performances in those losses were less than stellar, much like the entire Penn State offense. But is he being too harshly criticized despite an otherwise great first season as the starter?

Drew Allar had a great first season under center for Nittany Lions

There have been plenty of negative comments surrounding Drew Allar for his performances against Michigan and Ohio State. Despite this, it is imperative that when evaluating a player, you look at the entire body of work put forth.

In ten of Penn State’s matchups, Allar was extremely effective in a variety of ways. Take the Nittany Lions’ 31-0 White Out rout of Iowa as an example. Iowa defensive coordinator Phil Parker won the award for best assistant coach in the country this season.

The Hawkeyes boasted a top-five defense in the country and allowed just 15 touchdowns on the season. But Drew Allar had an awesome night, completing 25 of 37 passes for 166 yards and 4 touchdowns.

There are tons of promising examples that show Allar’s talents and potential. He completed the 2023 season with 2,336 passing yards, 27 total touchdowns, and a 138.3 passer rating. He threw just one interception. Allar will look to build on 2023 and be even more effective come next August.

Before then, he has a chance to build some momentum when Penn State football takes on No. 11 Ole Miss in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl on December 30.

Penn State QB will improve in 2024

The 2024 season spells change in the Big Ten Conference. The additions of Washington, Oregon, USC, and UCLA give each current conference member a reason to be excited for next year.

Penn State football will face three of the four new squads. Washington and UCLA will visit Beaver Stadium, and the Nittany Lions will head to Los Angeles to meet Lincoln Riley’s Trojans. Having a returning QB like Allar is a massive advantage for the Nittany Lions. Most of the top teams will be breaking in new signal callers. Under new offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki, Drew Allar has a real shot to be the cream of the crop in the Big Ten if he can build off of his 2023 performance.

A key for Allar will be the hopeful addition of WR talent from the transfer portal. The Nittany Lions are expected to land former Ohio State WR Julian Fleming, but no announcement seems imminent.

If Penn State can shore up its offensive line and add playmakers at receiver via the portal, Allar will be set up to succeed. Star running backs Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen both return, another positive for Allar.

Penn State football fans should have every confidence in their signal caller. He certainly has all the tools and talent to make the leap.

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