College football fans were left feeling frustrated after quarterback Drew Allar’s performance during the No. 6 Penn State Nittany Lions’ matchup against the No. 11 SMU Mustangs in the first round of the College Football Playoff on Saturday. Despite the Nittany Lions leading 28-0 at halftime, many supporters took to social media to express their dissatisfaction with Allar’s contributions to the game.
Fan Reactions to Allar’s Performance
By halftime, Allar had completed 12 of 21 passes for 121 yards. While he didn’t record any turnovers, fans felt that his lack of impactful plays was evident. The college football community was vocal about their concerns, suggesting that if SMU had been playing at a higher level, the outcome could have been much different.
One fan pointedly remarked, “If SMU was playing at even a mediocre level right now (namely Jennings), they’d be in the game. Allar again not looking sharp.” Another fan echoed similar sentiments, stating, “Well, Penn State should thank SMU for an early Christmas present. SMU has outplayed Penn State and has all but handed the game to them on a silver platter. Merry Christmas Penn State! You now have one more game left in your season. Then, you can get ready for the 2025 season.”
Criticism continued to flow as fans shared their halftime thoughts. “Halftime thoughts: 1. three Italian flags emoji 2. What is up with Allar? Completely off today 3. SMU scared to tackle. The cold is dominating them. Don’t let SMU back into the game. Close it out,” one fan commented. Another chimed in, “Can someone teach Allar to throw the ball away?”
James Franklin, the head coach of Penn State, was also under scrutiny. One fan quipped, “James Franklin getting bailed out like usual. Any other team would be a first-round exit.” Another added, “James Franklin is trying to keep SMU in it. But this defense came to play!”
Defensive Dominance and Jennings’ Struggles
While Allar’s performance was underwhelming, it’s important to note that both teams struggled offensively during the first half. However, it was Penn State’s (12-2, 8-1 Big 12) defense that truly shined, playing a crucial role in the team’s success.
On the other side, SMU (11-3, 8-0 Atlantic Coast Conference) quarterback Kevin Jennings had an even tougher outing. He completed just 11 of 23 passes for 100 yards, and unfortunately, he threw three interceptions by halftime. One of the most notable turnovers occurred in the first quarter when Jennings tossed an interception to Nittany Lions linebacker Dominic DeLuca, who returned it for a touchdown. This critical mistake, along with others, left SMU unable to cope with Penn State’s defensive pressure.
Despite his struggles, Jennings managed to score a touchdown with a pass to wide receiver Roderick Daniels Jr. in the fourth quarter. However, by that point, the damage had been done, and Penn State held a commanding 38-10 lead that SMU could not overcome.
Looking Ahead: Penn State’s Next Challenge
The victory sets up a significant matchup for the Nittany Lions, who will face the No. 3 Boise State Broncos (12-1, 8-0 Mountain West Conference) in the quarterfinals of the College Football Playoff on December 31. As the playoffs progress, the stakes will only get higher, and both teams will need to step up their performances.
Fans will be eagerly watching to see if Allar can shake off the criticism and deliver a stronger performance against Boise State. With the pressure mounting, will he rise to the occasion? Can Penn State’s defense maintain its dominant form against a formidable opponent?
As the college football season reaches its climax, the excitement and anticipation continue to build. The Nittany Lions have a chance to prove themselves, and fans will be hoping for a more polished and impactful performance from Allar in the upcoming game. Will he silence his critics and lead Penn State to victory? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the passion for college football remains as fierce as ever.
