“What if it wasn’t the receivers holding Drew Allar back but vice versa?” The question asked by The Athletic’s Ralph D. Russo isn’t too controversial, since Allar didn’t help Penn State in the big games last year. Undoubtedly, the receiving unit didn’t have a single catch against Notre Dame, and it was highlighted, too, in the media. But, Allar still faced criticism for his shaky play and efficiency hovering near 50% in the playoffs. Those games still haunt Allar, and now the QB has a Week 5 game against Oregon tomorrow. So, Allar finally gave his honest take on the 2024 struggles as Pat McAfee gave an unexpected lesson from history.

The most notable instance of failed play came against Notre Dame in the playoff semifinal with just 37 seconds left on the clock. The teams were tied 24-24, and Allar was 1st-and-10 at PSU’s 28. All PSU needed was a field goal, and the ball was in their possession; it looked within reach. However, in an unexpected turn of events, Allar threw an interception to Notre Dame’s Christian Gray, who returned it to PSU’s 48. The natty final dreams for PSU went down the drain as Notre Dame easily scored a field scored, sealing their win. That play, though, still haunts Allar, but Pat McAfee had solid advice for the QB.

Allar, who has a $2.8 million NIL valuation, appeared in an interview with Pat McAfee and talked about the specific Notre Dame play and how he has developed himself after the setback. Pat McAfee then had a lesson from history for Allar. “All the goats have had s—y moments. You need to know that when the world feels like it’s potentially crashing on you, it’s actually when you can harden yourself the most. I’m happy you chose that way as opposed to letting it beat you. We’re pumped that you’re back here at Penn State,” said McAfee. As for Allar, the Penn State QB1 described the toll the Notre Dame play had on him.

“I mean, just going back to the grind. I think going back to the basics is how I’ve always operated, no matter if I had a great season, an average season, or a bad season. I think you that game (against Notre Dame) last year left a bad taste in my mouth, and I think that can go for a lot of guys on our team. And that’s a big reason why we all came back, because we knew we had unfinished business,” said Allar. Allar’s message seems to be simple: It’s natty or bust this season.

As for Penn State’s performances so far, they have faced relatively weaker teams, going 3-0 this season. Allar this year has passed for 626 yards for 4 touchdowns, throwing an interception. But since the receiving woes seem to be officially over, Allar’s objective won’t be far-fetched. That can be evidenced by the season the receiving corps is having this season.

James Franklin went into the transfer portal and brought in Trebor Pena from Syracuse, Kyron Hudson from USC, and Devonte Ross from Troy. The additions have paid dividends so far this season, with Pena notching up 166 receiving yards already, averaging 12.8 yards per reception. Kyron Hudson, too, is playing good and has notched up 156 yards so far at 11.1 yards per reception. However, the most optimistic find still is Tyler Warren’s homegrown replacement, Luke Reynolds. The TE has notched up 142 receiving yards till now and averaged a decent 10.9 yards per reception. All of it surely points to optimism for Allar, and Allar, too, has his plans laid out.

Pat McAfee’s boost makes Drew Allar declare big for the 2025 season

Allar has specifically taken significant strides in decision-making and finding that rhythm with the offense. The QB’s anticipation is spot on, his big play ability is enhanced, and turnovers have been reduced significantly so far. Also, the major focus for Drew Allar has been on the ‘mental‘ side of things, focusing on being calm and composed in high-stakes situations. Still, third-down conversions are a concern, since Penn State is sitting at 76th nationally at just a 38.89% conversion rate. That may come with time as the QB laid out his plans for 2025.

“You know, a couple of our games last year, and we were close to accomplishing a couple of our goals, but we fell short of them. But now it’s about having another opportunity to potentially reach those goals and right those wrongs,” said Allar. Of course, despite some of the setbacks last year, Allar was still a prolific passer, passing for 3,327 yards and rushing for 302 yards for 6 touchdowns. That kind of season isn’t easy to achieve without some serious talent. As for the struggles?

Baker Mayfield, for instance, in his sophomore year, despite passing for 3,500+ yards, wasn’t too stellar with his efficiency (68.1%). But in the 2017 season, the guy flipped the script, winning the Heisman award, passing for 4,627 yards, and cutting down his interceptions and ending the season at 70.5% efficiency. We could see Drew Allar achieving a similar level of comeback, too, and probably even be a top contender for the Heisman, too.