James Franklin says Drew Allar executed 'really well' in 1st half of starting debut vs. West Virginia

Penn State took a 14-7 lead into the half over West Virginia in the season opener on Saturday night and head coach James Franklin was generally content with the play of sophomore quarterback Drew Allar. Allar is making his starting debut for Penn State this season.

While the offense didn’t light things up in the first half, Franklin through Allar was doing the right things and keeping the offense on schedule. Overall he thought the quarterback played “really well.”

“Saved some sacks for us, as well, so I think he’s doing some nice things,” Franklin said.

At the half, Allar completed 13-of-18 pass attempts for 214 yards and a touchdown.

Franklin also gave the defense some credit for keeping the West Virginia offense mostly at bay as the offense feels out the game.

“They are. There’s no doubt about it. We’ve gotta get off the field a little bit, create some three and outs, but overall, yes,” Franklin said.

Allar hit a highlight touchdown pass to open the scoring on Saturday

On Saturday night, fans got their first taste of Allar as their starter. On his second pass of the night against West Virginia, the Ohio native hooked up with KeAndre Lambert Smith for his first touchdown pass as the full-time starter.

It was a 72-yard bomb against the Mountaineers.

WELCOME TO THE DREW ALLAR ERA 🔥 pic.twitter.com/0HnQAjkuYn

— College Football Report (@CFBRep) September 2, 2023

Franklin was excited to begin the season at home under the lights

It’s the first time since 2019 that the Nittany Lions have had a home game to start the season and it’s an opportunity the James Franklin is excited about.

In particular, Franklin is excited about the atmosphere he expects to have in Beaver Stadium for a regional opponent.

“It obviously helps,” James Franklin said. “There’s a lot of excitement around the program. We had a quarterback club luncheon today. It was record numbers, it was packed. It was a great environment and energy. I think it’ll be like that Saturday night as well.”

Ultimately, James Franklin did emphasize that Penn State is willing to play anyone, anywhere, he did admit it’s going to be good to start at home.

“I think, for us, we’re gonna play whoever is on our schedule. We’re gonna play wherever the games are at,” Franklin said. “But, yeah, I think there’s some excitement about opening here at home, especially prime time, 7:30 at night. Should be a great environment against a regional opponent and I think our players and our staff are excited about the opportunity.”