Did James Franklin just suggest that Drew Allar will start on Saturday night?

All offseason, Penn State football head coach James Franklin discussed how the starting quarterback position would be a battle between sophomore Drew Allar and redshirt freshman Beau Pribula. Now, that battle may be nearing its official conclusion. During media availability Wednesday night, comments from head coach James Franklin suggest that Drew Allar will start for Penn State under the lights against West Virginia on Saturday night

James Franklin suggests that Drew Allar has been named Penn State starting quarterback

A day after saying he wasn’t ready to name a starting quarterback, James Franklin appears ready to use some stronger words around the battle. When asked what he hoped to learn about Allar on Saturday night, Franklin’s comments seem to suggest that he has a starting quarterback in mind.

“Well, obviously, you’re gonna learn a lot. I mean, he’s played, so we’ve kind of have an understanding of that,” Franklin said. “But there’s a difference being the starter and playing starter-type reps. So, you know, obviously, at the end of the day, I want him to continue to play like he did last year — with poise and a really good understanding of how to manage the game.”

Franklin’s comments insinuated what many have expected all offseason: Drew Allar has taken over the most important job this season by beating out Beau Pribula for the starting job. Many assumed the former five-star recruit would take over after Sean Clifford, but James Franklin wanted to see the job be earned in fall camp, which it appears Allar did.

Replacing the longtime starter Sean Clifford is be no easy task, but Allar was able to shine during his appearances last season. In 2022, Drew Allar appeared in 10 games, but from one of his first snaps, the Penn State community knew that they were going to be in great hands for years to come with Allar when he made the below throw on his third-career pass attempt.

This was Drew Allar’s 3rd career pass attempt… I know it’s incomplete but holy smokes this is a beautiful ball. 👀🔥 pic.twitter.com/GCF8GqILPT

— The Basic Blues Podcast (@BasicBluesPod) August 3, 2023

Although Tyler Warren dropped this pass it doesn’t take away how beautiful of a throw this was from Allar. He showed so much poise when he stepped on the field on the road in his first career game. The way he moves in the pocket and the arm strength he has should make this season unforgettable for Penn State.

Expectations are extremely high for Drew Allar

There’s a lot riding on the shoulders of the 19-year-old Drew Allar if and when he does become the starter, but that comes with the territory as he was the No. 1 rated quarterback prospect in the 2022 recruiting class according to 247sports. Experts say that Penn State has one of the best rosters in recent memory going into the 2023 college football season, but it will be up to Allar to help take this team to that next level by either winning the Big Ten Championship and/or making the College Football Playoff. It’s a lot of pressure, but if anyone can handle it, Drew Allar is the first person that comes to mind.

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