We saw a new version of Penn State football QB Drew Allar against Maryland. Following the game Allar explained how his mentality has changed and how he wants to keep that confidence the rest of the way.

Yesterday, it felt like we saw an “unlocked” version of Penn State football quarterback Drew Allar. The Nittany Lion community has been waiting for Allar and Mike Yurcich to take that next step. It has never been an issue of skill or talent, he has all of the physical tools to be a phenomenal quarterback. But, for the majority of the 2023 season, it felt like Allar was not playing freely. Many wondered if by throwing his first career interception last week everything would change for the young gunslinger. It certainly appears to be that way after yesterday’s performance.

Drew Allar explains what led to his career best road start

Penn State football found some offense for the first time in a long time in their 51-15 road win over Maryland yesterday. Everything this season following the West Virginia game has seemed difficult on offense. But Mike Yurcich bounced back by giving Drew Allar the green light to throw the football. Allar finished the Maryland game by completing 25 of 34 pass attempts for 240 yards and 4 touchdown passes. By far the most in rhythm we have seen the sophomore quarterback on the road in 2023.

Following the game, Drew Allar explained what was different about yesterday’s plan. Allar said, “It just feels like you’re kind of just out there playing and just really smooth is how I kind of describe it. Once you find that rhythm, it’s really hard to break it & I think you just need to stay in the moment & just stay calm & present.” He continued, “I think, last week, at the end of the game, [it] finally kind of clicked for me where I was just out there playing, not trying to be perfect or anything like that. … That mentality is something that has kind of helped me get to this point & I don’t want to lose that.”

Thanks, Indiana

Many people including myself were upset following the Indiana game last weekend. It was an ugly game following an even uglier game against Ohio State the week before. The offense was stuck in neutral, Penn State couldn’t run the ball, the wide receivers were not creating separation and late in the 4th quarter, Drew Allar threw his first career interception.

But it was how Allar responded in that moment that we should all take notice of. He didn’t pout, he didn’t fold, instead, he responded like every great quarterback by leading his team to victory. It was Allar who hit wide receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith on a 57-yard touchdown pass. Ever since that one play against Indiana, we have seen the quarterback we have been waiting for. Hopefully, Allar can take this confidence into the biggest game of his young career this Saturday against Michigan.