Penn State QB Drew Allar makes heartfelt confession about his time off from football

Quarterback Drew Allar is looking to lead the No. 6 Penn State Nittany Lions to the next round of the College Football Playoff. The team had a dominant 38-10 victory over the No. 11 SMU Mustangs in the first round last Saturday. On Tuesday, Penn State will take on the No. 3 Boise State Broncos in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl.

In a press conference Thursday, Allar discussed how he has prepared for Penn State’s (12-2, 8-1 Big Ten) upcoming College Football Playoff quarterfinal matchup. He shared that he began studying film on Boise State (12-1, 7-0 Mountain West Conference) on Sunday and has continued sporadically throughout the week.

The quarterback added that he gave himself some time off, including spending time with family on Monday. He also revealed that he loves reviewing opposing teams and considers it part of his routine.

"I gave myself time off. But at the end of the day, I love playing ball and watching ball in general, so you know, for me, it's kind of enjoyment, as much as that might be weird to say," he said (from 10:04 mark).

"I enjoy watching film, and so, you know, when I'm at home, like I'm always watching it anyway, so it's kind of part of my routine now."

Allar heads into the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl aiming for a better performance than his showing against SMU (11-3, 8-0 Atlantic Coast Conference). Fans weren't happy with his performance, as the defense played a key role in Penn State's win. Drew Allar finished the game completing 13 of 22 passes for 127 yards.

Drew Allar praises Boise State ahead of the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl

Earlier in the press conference, a reporter asked Drew Allar what impresses him the most about the Broncos. He praised the team's defense and coaching staff for Boise State's success this season.

"I think defensively, they are a really sound unit. You don't see many mistakes or in the run game, guys in the same gap. Not many blown coverages," Allar said (0:14 mark).

"So I think they are a really sound and disciplined group, and that starts with the coaching staff. They do a great job in getting those guys aligned in the right spots."

The Broncos lead their conference in least rushing yards allowed this season with 1,496 yards.

Allar also acknowledged the work ethic of the Boise State players as key to their accomplishments.

"I think the biggest thing that sticks out just about the players is how hard they play to the whistle. They're playing through the whistle every single, you know, snap there is, so lot of respect for these guys. They've had a great season, so it's going to be a fun matchup," Allar said.

Drew Allar and Penn State will try to defeat Boise State and move on to the semifinals of the College Football Playoff in the Capital One Orange Bowl on Jan. 9.