Drew Allar Talks INT in Penn State Loss to Notre Dame, Will Try to ‘Grow from It’

Andrew PetersJanuary 10, 2025

Megan Briggs/Getty Images

Penn State quarterback Drew Allar made a costly mistake late in the Nittany Lions’ loss to Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl on Thursday.

With just over 30 seconds to play, Allar threw an interception in Penn State territory, setting up a game-winning field goal for the Fighting Irish a few plays later.

After the game, Allar explained the play, telling reporters his first two reads were covered and he “should have just thrown it away.” Allar also said he tried to throw that ball at Omari Evans’ feet, but it instead ended up in the hands of Notre Dame’s Christian Gray.

“I was going through my progression. Just trying to (throw) it at his feet,” Allar told reporters. “Should have thrown it away. Didn’t execute what I was trying to do. … I’ll do everything in my power to grow from it.”

ESPN @espnNotre Dame picks off Drew Allar late in the fourth 😳 pic.twitter.com/F0SZvM5fFa

While Allar took full responsibility for the mistake, Penn State offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki said the quarterback is not to blame for the loss.

“He’s gonna put that on himself, and he shouldn’t have to. I got to be better for him and our offense to make sure that whatever we’re doing, whatever play we’re calling, that our people have their chance to separate and put him in a position where he can feel more comfortable. I simply say to him, it ain’t you. It’s not on you. You don’t need to take that on your shoulders and feel the blame for that. You will win and you will lose as a group, as a football team. It’s never one play. Everyone’s going to point the finger at that one. I say I love you, because I do.”Adam Rittenberg @ESPNRittenbergPenn State offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki on his message for QB Drew Allar after a tough night. pic.twitter.com/VZLOCPUOH7

In a game as close as Thursday’s, it will be impossible for Allar not to shoulder the blame for the loss. But as many teams have learned in the past, a game never comes down to just one play.

The junior quarterback will now head into the offseason looking to improve his game and perhaps avenge Thursday’s loss next year if he decides to return for his senior season.