Drew Allar insists he's more comfortable after pair of starts, previews Week 3 vs. Illinois

Drew Allar told reporters on Zoom Tuesday that he has felt his confidence level increase after his first 2 starts of the 2023 season.

Allar and the Nittany Lions have looked good to start out this season, dispatching both West Virginia and Delaware ahead of their B1G opener against Illinois. Across those 2 games Allar has thrown for 529 yards, 4 touchdowns and 0 interceptions.

Week 3 is a big one, though. Illinois may not look like the Illinois of last year, but any conference game on the road presents its challenges. Allar specifically mentioned Illinois’ past ability to create turnovers as something that stands out.

Drew Allar on Zoom this AM: Said his comfort level has increased after 2 starts.

Impressions of Illinois?

“First Big Ten game on the road it’s not going to be easy by any stretch. … They’ve forced a lot of turnovers in the past.”

— Audrey Snyder (@audsnyder4) September 12, 2023

Illinois has definitely given Penn State a game in the past. It’s hard to forget Illinois’ shocking win over the Nittany Lions in 2021 after 9 overtimes. And even after 9 overtimes, Illinois won 20-18.

Allar was asked about that game on Tuesday too, though he says he doesn’t remember much of it:

In 2021 where was Drew Allar at for the 9OT PSU-Illinois game in Beaver Stadium?

“I was at home watching the game. Honestly, I don’t remember too much about that game. We’re two completely different teams right now.”

— Audrey Snyder (@audsnyder4) September 12, 2023

Penn State and Illinois square off at Noon (ET) this Saturday on FOX.