The 2023 Penn State quarterbacks are something that the team can be proud of. The college football season is only two weeks in, but this Nittany Lions offense is already looking strong. There are currently two quarterbacks that fans have seen to an extent. The first is the starter, Drew Allar, but behind him is Beau Pribula. Here is a look at the 2023 Penn State quarterbacks and why this is a great thing for the Nittany Lions football team.
2023 Penn State Quarterbacks: The Starter
When it was announced that Allar committed to Penn State, the excitement was high. Allar was a five-star recruit from Ohio, and the Nittany Lions have felt that their team has just been missing out on an elite quarterback. They have had solid guys who got wins, but the hype around Allar was different. In 2022, Allar was not handed the role of starter, but when the team was up by enough, he was able to go in. This valuable playing time set him up for a strong start to the 2023 season.
Penn State QB Drew Allar (15) – Matthew OHaren/USA TODAY Sports
It is still early, but in two weeks of college football, Allar has been doing well. Considering the team has been able to play both of the 2023 Penn State quarterbacks, it is safe to say Allar has done a solid job. In week two, Allar was pulled out early in the third quarter because the Nittany Lions were up by that many points. In two games so far, Allar has had 43 completions out of 55 attempts for 529 yards, according to Sports Reference. He also already has four passing touchdowns.
He has already done all of this while being pulled out of the game for being up by enough points. It is Allar’s composure and decision-making that have boosted this offense in many ways. His threat in the passing game completely opens up the dominant run game. Of the 2023 Penn State quarterbacks it makes sense why he is the starter, but in doing well, he is helping his fellow quarterbacks also grow.
Penn State QB Beau Pribula (9) – Matthew OHaren/USA TODAY Sports
Beau Pribula – The Second String
Although it was known that Allar would be the starter, Beau Pribula is one of the 2023 Penn State quarterbacks, and he does not look half bad. Head coach James Franklin encouraged a quarterback competition, and Pribilua did not look bad. He does not have much experience college-wise but has had the opportunity to play these past two weeks. Pribula played a decent amount of time last weekend against the Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens. Pribula went into the game with just under ten minutes left in the third quarter, which means he got a lot of playing time against Delaware.
In the two games he has been a part of, Pribula has completed four passes out of just six attempts for 29 yards, according to Sports Reference. Of course, this is not a lot, but he did pass for one touchdown against Delaware. He will only improve as he continues to play. Something that is special about Pribula is his running ability. He has already rushed the ball for 64 yards and two touchdowns. While the team may not always use him, he is growing into a strong player.
Penn State QB Drew Allar (15) – Paul Burdick/StateCollege.com
Importance of Strong 2023 Penn State Quarterbacks
For a couple of years now, it felt as though the Nittany Lions were just missing a quarterback. They have had solid players, but no one that could push them further. These two 2023 Penn State quarterbacks make everything feel different. There is a different energy in this team. Allar is playing smart and making big plays already. Fans are excited about Allar, and so is the team.
Being able to get up by enough points to bench starters is crucial. It will lead to a healthier team. Having Pribula back there and being able to come in and still score points is a bonus. It keeps the score high, leading to a better ranking in the AP Top 25 Poll.
Now with this experience, if something were to happen to Allar, the team will know whether or not they have a quarterback that they can still compete with. It is football; anything can happen. On a positive note, having good players together will almost always bring out the best in each of them. They can push each other each week. Pribula still needs more experience, but that is why these late-game reps are so important. Who knows, Pribula could turn into a great player and get his shot one day.
For now, this is Allar’s team, and it is extremely clear why. It is clear that the Nittany Lions’ fans can be excited about the 2023 Penn State quarterbacks as the season progresses.
