Count a former Penn State rival and Big Ten head coach as a believer.
Former Ohio State coach and current FOX Sports college football analyst Urban Meyer gave PSU its flowers as a legitimate national championship contender.
Appearing on The Herd with Colin Cowherd Wednesday afternoon, Meyer first pointed to Drew Allar, from Medina, Ohio, taking a step up last season.
“I think night and day (difference),” Meyer said about Allar when Cowherd asked about his footwork and ability. “I was very concerned about Drew Allar. He’s actually from Ohio and I saw high school tape on him. We covered him his sophomore year and he struggled. Last year he was much better fundamentally.”
Allar enters his senior season as a potential Heisman candidate and first-round prospect. He completed 66.5% of his passes and earned a 156.5 rating in 16 games.
Cowherd thinks Penn State will play Texas in the national championship. Cowherd said he thought two years ago Allar played wild, but his footwork and composure improved as a junior.
Meyer mentioned the strengths of Penn State’s offense last season, but identified the most glaring weakness at receiver.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.“The question I have for Penn State, they have two great running backs, one of the best offensive lines in the country – certainly the Big Ten – do they have the skill on the outside,” Meyer said. “Last year they did not. That was not a typical Penn State receiving core.”
Meyer said he isn’t sure if Penn State improved the room, but is doing more research as he prepares for the season. PSU revamped the room and signed transfers Kyron Hudson (USC), Devonte Ross (Troy), and Trebor Pena (Syracuse) to help Allar take the next step. Penn State wide receivers didn’t catch a pass in the CFP semifinals.
“Everything about Penn State is a national championship contender,” Meyer said. “My question is: Do they have NFL draft picks on the outside like they used to?”
PSU hosts Nevada Aug. 30 to begin the season. PSU reached the Big Ten Championship and CFP semifinals with an experienced roster that is mainly coming back.
Penn State has the opportunity to do what Michigan and Ohio State did the past two years: Return an experienced roster with a veteran quarterback, dependable defense, veteran head coach, great coordinators, and a motivation to get the job done and win a national championship.
