Drew Allar’s College Football Playoff debut wasn’t the best game of his Penn State football career. It also wasn’t his worst But in the end, the Nittany Lions’ punishing run game, combined with a pair of pick-sixes, was more than enough for Penn State to defeat SMU 38-10 and take its first step toward a National Championship.

Penn State quarterback Drew Allar scrambles from an SMU defender during the first quarter on Dec. 21, 2024. Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com

Penn State football needs more than the arm of Drew Allar to beat Boise State. Why this offensive weapon is the x-factor for Fiesta Bowl.