Saturday’s Penn State vs Oregon delivered an excellent matchup for the fans. The Nittany Lions fell 24-30 to the Ducks in a double-overtime showdown at Beaver Stadium. Penn State’s offense looked shaky at times, and QB Drew Allar in particular put up a mixed performance. However, despite the loss, Allar seemed positive when talking on CBS Sports.

Reflecting on the loss, Drew Allar told the CBS Sports College Football channel, “It could be the best thing that’s happened for us, but we have to take the right approach this week.” Oregon was leading throughout the game, but fourth-quarter heroics from Devonte Ross and Allar stretched the game past regulation. They nearly completed a massive comeback, but an uncharacteristic interception from Allar in the second overtime evidently sealed the game for Oregon. The loss marked the end of their winning streak, placing them in 13th position.

“It doesn’t matter who we’re playing, like the standard’s the standard and every week we have to be finding a way to elevate it and get better,”  said Allar. Penn State’s offense was sluggish throughout the three quarters. The O-line found it difficult to handle Oregon’s pressure, making it difficult for Allar to make plays. He completed 14 out of 25 throws for 137 yards, which was lower than his average yardage. His late interception in the game effectively ended any chance that Penn State had of winning the game.

While these stats may put Allar in a bad light, he contributed to Penn State through his two TDs and passing. In the fourth quarter, Allar made his presence known on the field, throwing 35 and 2-yard passes to Devonte Ross to level things up with the Ducks. But their offense struggled to make a significant presence against Oregon.

It is a major concern for James Franklin, whose offensive system is seemingly not a fit for Drew Allar. Franklin plays a fast-paced offense, which is stylistically different from Allar’s natural game. If they want to improve their offense, they will have to change the system, or at least the philosophy behind it, to better suit Allar’s qualities.

Allar further emphasized that he will learn from his past mistakes.

Drew Allar will look to learn from his mistakes before the game at UCLA

One defeat does not mean the end for James Franklin’s side in their quest for the championship. “It doesn’t matter who we’re playing, like the standard’s the standard, and every week we have to be finding a way to elevate it and get better,” emphasized Allar, who believes that the loss would only contribute to strengthening their team for the rest of the season.

He expressed that he wants the team to have the “right mindset, no matter who we’re playing or where we’re playing. Considering that they have only lost one game, it’s still not a major sign of worry about the Nittany Lions.

Worrying signs, though, are the inconsistencies in defense and offense against Oregon, very different from what they were like last season. Their defense was one of the strongest last season. They kept the opposition to low yardage and scoring. If Penn State retains its last season’s form, then there is no doubt that it will make the bowl games.

After the thriller against Oregon, Penn State will face UCLA next at the Rose Bowl. The matchup is favorable for Penn State because UCLA is winless this season. Do you think Penn State can emerge victorious in that matchup? Share your thoughts in the comments.