Penn State coordinator Mike Yurcich talks Drew Allar, explosive play count, and more

Penn State third-year offensive coordiantor Mike Yurcich is happy with how his unit has performed throughout a 5-0 start. But, he, like anyone else who follows the Nittany Lions, knows that more explosive plays are needed during the second half of the season. It was one of many things the play caller talked about during a ZOOM call with reporters on Tuesday.

“Not satisfied with it thus far,” Yurcich said. “Need to continue to grow there, both run and pass. Throwing the ball more down the field when given the opportunity to do so. A lot of times, what we’re seeing is softer coverage in inopportune times. That’s something I can control, and getting into better formations play wise.

“We’re taking what the defense is giving us and being methodical moving the ball down the field, and that’s good to keep our defense off the field, but we need to be more explosive.”

Explosion is in focus

Penn State has seen its chunk plays drop in both the pass and run games through five weeks. It has not mattered. The Lions have the longest streak of scoring 30 or more points per game in the country. But, it is still an area of focus during the bye week.

“We have to continue to improve in the areas that we need ot improve are more explosive plays, and we know that,” Yurcich said. “At the same time, we’re doing some good things, and our offense has to understand that we’re doing a lot of difficult things well. Putting long drives together, keeping the defense off the field, which helps them play better. We’re playing team offense, but we need to improve in certain areas, and the sexiness, we do understand there is an area for that, but we have to keep very important things important.

“We’re playing winning football. If we continue to make strides and get better and accelerate, and with time, that will happen, especially with inexperience at receiver and quarterback, we will continue to get better as long as our confidence continues to grow. Our offense needs to understand that our offense has done some things very well, and we have to face the areas for improvement, embrace them, and attack those areas. It’s a great opportunity during this off-week to self-scout and build in those areas.”

Penn State coordinator Mike Yurcich talks Drew Allar

Former five-star quarterback Drew Allar has won his first handful of games as a starter. He has had great moments and some not-as-great ones. But, he has yet to commit a turnover, which is a key part of his start.

“He’s done a really good job taking what the defense is giving him and being patient,” Yurcich said. “In the last game he did a really good job going through his progressions and checking down, and some of those turned into explosive [plays]. He’s been patient and hasn’t really forced the ball. Hasn’t played perfect by any stretch but has shown really good progress, and I like where he’s headed.

“We have to get comfortable getting into the pocket at time so we’ll work and drill that and make it more muscle memory at times.”

Strength coach Chuck Losey also praised Allar and said his training has improved which has allowed his testing numbers to explode. Penn State is also happy with where his weight is at.

Mike Yurcich odds and ends

–Yurcich said Penn State must clean up issues it has had with Allar and his receivers being in sync on certain routes.

–The offensive coordinator is pleased with the play of his offensive line so far.

“They’ve done a really good job,” Yurcich said. “When we went back to our last game, we only had two negative yardage plays. Abd, whenever you’re consistently moving the ball forward in a manner that will help with field position, we have to continue to have positive gains. Anytime you’re able to walk away with two negative yardage plays, that’s really good. There is a lot to build on and a lot of good.

“The improvements are just continuing to execute better when run game and the numbers are equal, to come away with more yardage, to get more vertical when those runs are called, and moving people at the point of attack to give us a chance when we do have to throw the ball to not be in too many situations where the defense can pin its ears back and attack. We’ve done a really good job of creating manageable situations. Where, you’re not putting those guys in positions where they’re stressed.”