It’s a devastating blow for Penn State fans: quarterback Drew Allar’s season is over. Just weeks after being ranked No. 3 in the nation, the Nittany Lions have plummeted into a three-game losing streak, capped off by a heartbreaking 22-21 loss to Northwestern. But here’s where it gets even tougher—Allar, the team’s starting quarterback, suffered a season-ending ankle injury in the final minutes of that game. Head coach James Franklin confirmed the worst: Allar won’t return this season.
The injury occurred with just 3:31 left on the clock, as Allar was tackled short of a first down, clutching his ankle in pain. Backup quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer stepped in, but the Nittany Lions failed to convert on 4th & 3, sealing Northwestern’s upset victory. It’s a cruel twist for a team that started the season with such high hopes.
Allar’s college career, which began with massive expectations, ends on a somber note. Despite passing for 1,100 yards, eight touchdowns, and three interceptions in six games, he never quite reached the heights many predicted. After opening the season with three straight wins, he now leaves on a three-game skid—a bittersweet end for the senior.
And this is the part most people miss: Could the offensive scheme have played a role in Allar’s struggles? ESPN’s Pete Thamel raised an intriguing point on the College GameDay Podcast, suggesting that Offensive Coordinator Andy Kotelnicki’s horizontal playcalling might not have been the best fit for Penn State’s talent. “With better talent, you need to go vertically,” Thamel noted, implying a potential mismatch between Kotelnicki’s style and Allar’s strengths. Is this a fair critique, or just an unfortunate circumstance?
As Allar’s college chapter closes, his focus shifts to the NFL. But the question lingers: What could have been for Penn State this season? Was it the injuries, the scheme, or something else entirely? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one debate that’s sure to spark differing opinions.
