With the season opener between No. 8 Penn State and West Virginia just over a week away, each team is making their final adjustments and beginning to game plan more heavily.
A big factor that should play into the outcome is how each team’s quarterback performs. The following will look into each team’s starter and compare their playing styles.
Penn State — Drew Allar
Penn State’s quarterback, Drew Allar, is entering his junior season after getting his first full season of starts last year. The 6-foot-5 gunslinger can stay in the pocket and deliver strikes but also can escape it when he needs to. Last season he threw for 2,631 yards, 25 touchdowns and two interceptions, with a completion percentage of just under 60%. He added 210 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns on the ground. Against West Virginia, Allar completed 21 passes on 29 attempts for 325 yards and three touchdowns. While Allar may attempt to play conservatively, in desperation time he’s still able to make the deep throw downfield if his receiver can create separation. You won’t see Allar take it himself too often, but if nothing is open he can find his way out of trouble.
West Virginia — Garrett Greene
Garrett Greene, the Mountaineers’ quarterback, is heading into his senior season and also played his first season as the starter last year, but missed most of the game against Pitt and didn’t play vs Texas Tech. The 5-foot-11 Greene is a scrambler, there is no question about that. However, he has the arm talent and deep ball in his arsenal if necessary. Last season he threw for 2,406 yards, 16 touchdowns and four interceptions, with a completion percentage of just under 53%. On the ground, he rushed for 772 yards and 13 touchdowns. Against Penn State last year, Greene completed 16 passes on 27 attempts for 162 yards and rushed for 71 yards and one touchdown on 15 attempts. Greene can make magic with his feet, whether it’s taking it himself or throwing on the run. However, team’s may start to figure him out and game plan to neutralize his rushing ability. On top of that, coaches and analysts alike want to see him continue to develop his arm talent and accuracy, taking a step forward in passing game.
Kickoff for the game is set for noon (eastern standard time) on Aug 31, apart of FOX’s Big Noon Kickoff.
