Drew Allar Thrown Under the Bus as James Franklin Hot Seat Talks Takes Turn in National Analyst’s Revelation

Drew Allar and Penn State’s Orange Bowl Disappointment: A Moment of Reckoning

 

James Franklin’s approach at Penn State had long been defined by a methodical, no-frills strategy—executing the fundamentals, minimizing risks, and sticking to a structured game plan. Quarterback Drew Allar embodied this approach, often playing within his limits. However, in the College Football Playoff semifinals at the Orange Bowl, a breakthrough performance was required. Instead, what unfolded was a night of costly mistakes, ultimately sealing Penn State’s fate.

 

A Costly Performance Under the Brightest Lights

 

James Franklin’s tenure at Penn State has been marked by repeated struggles against top-tier opposition, and this latest loss only added to his well-documented 3-20 record against Top 10 teams. While the defeat wasn’t solely his fault, the biggest share of the blame was directed at Drew Allar. Analyst Josh Pate, speaking on the Lions247 YouTube channel, was blunt in his assessment, stating that while no single player wins or loses a game, the quarterback’s role is uniquely pivotal.

 

Allar’s decision-making in the final moments was especially glaring. With the game tied at 24-24 and just 38 seconds remaining, rather than securing overtime, he threw a costly interception. Then, in the game’s dying seconds, he made an inexplicable lateral pass out of bounds. These errors encapsulated a disastrous performance, leading Pate to highlight the quarterback’s poor judgment as a key factor in Penn State’s downfall.

 

Psychological Fallout and Moving Forward

 

Pate emphasized that setbacks like this don’t just impact a player—they shape their future. He questioned how Allar would process this failure, stressing that losses must be used as fuel for improvement rather than becoming a lingering burden. “If you suffer that kind of setback, whether it be in sports or in life, and all it does is negatively impact you, then it’s been wasted,” he said.

 

Despite this setback, Allar will return in 2025, alongside Penn State’s talented running back duo, Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen. The challenge now is whether he can transform this painful experience into growth, both for himself and for Penn State’s championship aspirations.

 

James Franklin: A Decade of Almosts

 

Franklin’s future also faces scrutiny. While experience and continuity have been assets in keeping key players engaged, his decade-long tenure has seen only one Big Ten Championship. The recurring inability to win major games has led to growing skepticism about his ability to elevate Penn State to the next level.

 

Many critics argue that Franklin’s trust in Allar in the game’s final moments was a mistake—that he should have played conservatively and ensured overtime. However, the counterpoint is that a championship-contending team needs a quarterback who can handle these high-pressure moments. If Franklin wants to finally break through and win a national title, he must continue to trust his quarterback while also demanding better execution in crucial moments.

 

2025: A Defining Year

 

The upcoming season is critical for both Franklin and Allar. The head coach faces mounting pressure to prove he can win big games, while Allar must elevate his game to meet both team and NFL aspirations. The Orange Bowl loss will remain a painful memory, but if used correctly, it can serve as the catalyst for a redemption season.

 

Penn State fans, coaches, and players all share the same hope: that this bitter defeat fuels a stronger, more resilient team in 2025.

 

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