Penn State quarterback Drew Allar has spoken for the first time since his game-ending interception against Oregon left him stunned in the White Out.
The setback sealed a 30-24 double-overtime defeat for the Nittany Lions, but he is turning the page quickly with No. 7 Penn State set to face UCLA on Saturday at the Rose Bowl.
In a conversation with CBS Sports’ Jenny Dell, Allar said the setback might prove valuable if the team responds the right way.
He emphasized that the Nittany Lions still have their eyes on January, not September, and described the importance of raising the standard every week.
The nationally televised game against the Bruins, who are still seeking their first win, gives Allar and his teammates a chance to bounce back on a major stage. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET on CBS.
Also read: Penn State vs UCLA: ESPN says Nittany Lions will “roll” the Bruins at Rose Bowl
Allar eyes reset as Penn State prepares for UCLA
Speaking with Dell, Allar reflected on how Penn State could use the Oregon loss as motivation.
“Reflecting on this last week, it could be the best thing that's happened for us, but we have to take the right approach into this week,” he said. “It starts today with our practice habits. It doesn’t matter who we’re playing. The standard’s the standard.”
Against Oregon, Allar went 14 of 25 for 137 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. Both scoring throws, including a 35-yard strike to Devonte Ross, came late as Penn State rallied from a 17-3 deficit to force overtime.
Despite the late push, Allar admitted the slow start hurt the team.
“I think the things we wanted to learn from was just starting faster,” he said.
Allar also revealed that virtual reality has become part of his weekly preparation, helping him simulate reps, process long play calls, and adjust to defensive speed.
Also read: James Franklin blames officiating after Oregon OT loss, sets tone ahead of UCLA
So far this season, he has completed 71 of 113 passes (62.8%) for 763 yards with six touchdowns and two interceptions. He has added 69 rushing yards on 19 carries.
Penn State enters the UCLA matchup at 3-1 overall and 0-1 in the Big Ten. Oddsmakers listed the Nittany Lions as 24.5-point favorites as of Thursday night, with Allar’s performance once again central to their chances of keeping playoff hopes alive.