Jordan Rodgers declares Oregon game the 'biggest game of Drew Allar's career'

Penn State quarterback Drew Allar has played in three College Football Playoff games, a Peach Bowl and a Big Ten Championship Game. According to SEC Network‘s Jordan Rodgers, however, no game has been bigger in his career than this weekend’s clash against No. 6 Oregon.

Allar entered his senior season with massive expectations, but he hasn’t quite looked the part yet. Through three games this season, the Medina, OH, native has completed 64.8% of his passes for just 626 yards, four touchdowns and one interception. He, however, hasn’t had to be spectacular, as Penn State‘s first three games were against inferior competition (Nevada, FIU and Villanova).

He will be key in the Top 10 clash on Saturday, however, as Oregon has completely shut down opposing quarterbacks this season. Through three games, Dan Lanning‘s defense has allowed just 480 total passing yards (120 per game) and no touchdowns while forcing four interceptions. Last season, Allar tossed two interceptions in a 45-37 loss to the Ducks in the Big Ten title game.

“It’s Drew Allar,” Rodgers said when asked who the deciding factor of the game would be. “This is the biggest game of Drew Allar’s entire career. He has not been his best in big games. Last year against Oregon, two interceptions in a seven-point loss and even in the Playoff, he has just 13 completions against SMU. 13 completions against Boise State in a win and just 12 completions against Notre Dame (not one to a wide receiver).”

Rodgers calls for Penn State OC to ‘dial things up’ for Allar

“This has to be the game that Andy Kotelnicki (the offensive coordinator) dials things up. They’ve been very vanilla the first couple of weeks, but they haven’t played anybody. They haven’t had to do anything. But he needs to design more easy throws and less progression reads for Drew Allar. Let him play faster because he’s so talented, but we just haven’t seen his ceiling yet.”

“If we don’t see his ceiling against Oregon tomorrow, Penn State won’t win the football game. It’s all on his shoulders.”

In 10 career games against ranked opponents (4-6), Allar has completed 54% of passes for 1,516 yards, 14 touchdowns and five interceptions. He’s also totaled 211 yards and two scores on the ground.

Kickoff for Saturday night’s massive matchup is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. The game can be seen on NBC.