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