Drew Allar has taken a lot of heat. Some deserved.
The young first starter did not play well in his biggest games, and took it personally, responding publicly he needed to improve.
Nothing exists in a bubble.
With a full year under his belt, he’s likely to be more comfortable and confident in the new system by offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki, which can lead to improved decision-making and execution on the field.
Additionally, the coaching staff may tailor the offense to better suit his strengths, maximizing his potential for a breakout season.
Allar joins Tennessee’s Hendon Hooker (2022) as the only FBS quarterbacks ever to throw 25+ touchdown passes and 2 or less interceptions in a season.
Allar began the season with 251 pass attempts without an interception, the sixth-most to start a season since 2000, trailing only Louisiana Tech’s Colby Cameron (428; 2012), Oregon’s Marcus Mariota (285; 2013), Western Kentucky’s Tyrrell Pigrome (278; 2020), NC State’s Ryan Finley (274; 2017) and West Virginia’s Geno Smith (273; 2012).
Why Penn State Football should Be Optimistic About Drew Allar
In 2023, Drew Allar became the only Big Ten QB since 2000, to start a season with 175+ pass attempts and zero interceptions, posting the lowest interception percentage (0.51) in a single season in Penn State history, becoming the first quarterback in school history to throw for 10 or more touchdowns before throwing an interception in a season.
He finished third in a single season at Penn State in touchdown passes (25), fifth in touchdowns responsible for (29), sixth in completions (233), seventh in attempts (389), ninth in completion percentage (59.9) and tied for ninth in 200+ yard passing games (7).
Moreover, last year Drew Allar opened his first starting season with a win over West Virginia (9/2), became the first Penn State quarterback to throw for at least 300 yards in his first career start since Michael Robinson threw for 379 yards vs. Wisconsin in 2003 and was the first Penn State quarterback to throw for at least 300 yards in a season opener since Christian Hackenberg’s 454 passing yards against UCF in 2014.
Drew posted a touchdown-to-interception ratio of 12.5-to-1, finishing second nationally only behind Oregon’s Bo Nix (15-to-1) and tied for the Big Ten lead in passing touchdowns (25; T-18th nationally), and finished second in points responsible for (176; T-26th), fourth in passing efficiency (136.9) and passing yards (2,631), and fifth in yards per pass attempt (6.76).
That last stat hurts.
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Why 2024 Will Be Different
Considering a troubled wide receiver group and losing OC Mike Yurcich, Allar had a very productive first starting year and many wonder what could have been if the offensive issues could have been addressed.
Everything is aligning for Drew Allar to propel himself to the next level and find himself as one of the top QBs in the nation in 2024.
Allar has the talent, experience, and support to excel in his second full year at Penn State.
MORE: Burning Questions for Penn State in 2024
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He has been recognized for his work as a photographer and has also contributed to various publications including PennLive and The Weather Channel.
Brad is an Air Force veteran, coach and competitive runner that grew up a Nittany Lions fan as his family is originally from the State College area.
His diverse skillset and experiences provide for interesting perspectives on the college football, and sports topics of the day.
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