Just when James Franklin and the Penn State Nittany Lions thought about throwing a big bash for their grand win over the SMU Mustangs, life gave them a grounding alert. Their backup quarterback, Beau Pribula, considered hitting the transfer portal. But thank God for the Penn State quarterback, Drew Allar. The signal-caller announced that he would be part of the Nittany Lions family and would be returning for the 2025 season. So, what if Pribula bids farewell to Franklin’s program? Allar now has the back of his new backup quarterback. And already, Allar has become his fan.   

The 2024 season has been indeed special for Franklin’s program. After all the No.6 Penn State made their way to the first-ever College Football Playoff run. However, before that, they did hit a rough patch. Their backup quarterback, Pribula entered the portal. That has been a reason for enough concern. After all, even though Allar has been healthy as a starter in his two years, the QB had hit a pause missing out on the second half of the Nittany Lions’ game against Wisconsin. But Happy Valley had no reason to be unhappy. They now have their No.2 QB, true freshman Ethan Grunkemeyer. Now that the backup QB spot is filled, Allar talks about the “secret sauce” of Franklin’s program that helps them to stand out. The Penn State QB shared, “I think overall it’s our culture.”

Allar added, “I think obviously I can’t speak on anywhere else just because I’ve never been anywhere else but Penn State but the culture we have inside the locker room, between players and the whole coaching staff and support staff I think is second to none. I think that’s kind of what makes us different at the end of the day.” Well, it’s more like a chain reaction now. When Allar stepped into Penn State, he had some great seniors to guide him. The greatest example being Sean Clifford who was later drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Now Allar is holding the baton. “The older guys taking the young guys under their wings and showing us the ropes and then when it’s our time to be the older guys,” Allar is filling into coaching shoes. He seems to have no problem teaming up with Grunk and adding depth to Franklin’s offense. “Going against a defense like we douh every day since he’s been on campus…has helped him grow mentally and I think he’s done a a fantastic job since he’s been on campus,” praised the Penn State QB. Maybe teaming up, the Oregon blunder won’t be repeated. Against Dan Lanning’s Ducks, Penn State came with two costly turnovers. The QB threw two interceptions both of them turned out to be a flop.  Now what about Allar’s plan for the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl? 

How Drew Allar prepares for a high-stakes showdown 

The Nittany Lions QB is carrying some heavy burden on his shoulders. Franklin’s program has already raised the bar high for themselves after their dominant 38-10 win over the Mustangs. On Tuesday, December 31, they will be hitting the gridiron for the next round of College Football Playoff against the No.3 Boise State Broncos. So what’s Allar’s plan of action now?

The Penn State QB has started studying film on Boise State. That’s how he tried to break down Spencer Danielson’s game plan. While keeping himself attached to the game, he is also making the most of the holiday season by listening to his heart. Allar gave himself some time off to spend quality time with his family. But no compromises with the routine. 

James Franklin’s QB revealed, “I gave myself time off. But at the end of the day, I love playing ball and watching ball in general, so you know, for me, it’s kind of enjoyment, as much as that might be weird to say. I enjoy watching film, and so, you know, when I’m at home, like I’m always watching it anyway, so it’s kind of part of my routine now.” So maybe, Drew Allar has done enough homework and will lend his helping hand to Ethan Grunkemeyer.