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Penn State QB Drew Allar gives his early thoughts on Notre Dame's defense: 'It's going to be a really fun matchup'

Mug-Shot 4x4by:Ryan Snyder•01/04/25•

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Penn State quarterback Drew Allar. (Credit: Frank Hyatt | Blue White Illustrated)

Penn State quarterback Drew Allar and the Nittany Lion offense will face one of the toughest defenses they’ve seen all season next Thursday in the Orange Bowl.

Led by former Nittany Lion Al Golden, the Fighting Irish rank among the best in the nation in a variety of categories, including second nationally in opponent points per game (13.6), fourth in yards allowed per play (4.4), fourth in third down conversions allowed (29.74%) and fifth in red zone scoring percentage (68.75%). Only Ohio State can match or exceed that level of production among the teams Penn State has faced this season.

“Just turning on the tape, they’re a very sound unit that also plays very hard and very physical,” Allar said when asked about Notre Dame Saturday morning. “They’re obviously very detailed and very well-coached. There’s not many [missed assignments] on film. They’re not just leaving guys and dropping guys downfield and in the pass game.

“But I think it kind of starts up front. I think their D-line is really good, but also, their secondary is a really good secondary. Obviously, we’re down to the final four teams and there’s not going to be a weak link really on any team. So, I think it’s just about executing the game plan that the coaches are going to have for us. But a lot of respect to these guys. They’ve accomplished a lot this year and have done a lot this year. Statistically, their defense is really good, so it’s going to be a really fun matchup.”

It’s the secondary in particular that will have most of Allar’s focus between now and Thursday. Safety Xavier Watts earned unanimous All-America honors the past two seasons. This year, he’s totaled 65 tackles, the second-most on the team, while also intercepting six passes. Sophomore safety Adon Shuler has been excellent alongisde Watts, while freshman cornerback Leonard Moore grades out as Notre Dame’s top defensive player this season, according to PFF, with an 88.7 overall grade.

Add in senior Jordan Clark, who transferred in from Arizona State, and this sets up to be one of the toughest matchups Penn State’s wide receivers have seen.

“Notre Dame, in particular, does a great job of making everything contested catches,” Allar said when asked about the secondary. “There’s not many open throws downfield. One thing that’s different about their DB room in general is [that] they’re a pretty tall DB room and lengthy in terms of their their arm size. I don’t think they have a DB shorter than six foot, which is really not common in college football in general. They’re a physical group. Obviously, they’re not an overly physical group because I don’t think they have many penalties on the year, so they’re very smart and disciplined.”

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