Fact or Fiction: Drew Allar, Spring Showcase Games, Most Impactful True Freshman

In today’s Fact or Fiction, I look at three big recent topics in college football and decide whether the statement is indeed FACT or if it’s FICTION.

1. Drew Allar will change the way Penn State’s offense is perceived.

Farrell’s take: FACT

The buzz out of the spring is real and similar to what we heard last year as the best QB commit for Penn State since a guy named Christian Hackenberg a decade ago continues to develop. Hackenberg regressed a bit after a strong start, but Allar continues to get better, and an offense that was extremely limited by the arm of Sean Clifford could be dynamic. The Trace McSorley years were fun and very good offensively, but with Allar it will be more about precision and timing and less about out-of-pocket plays. With Nicholas Singleton and others, this could be a nasty offense.

Sep 10, 2022; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Drew Allar (15) runs with the ball during the fourth quarter against the Ohio Bobcats at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Ohio 46-10.

2. College football should allow spring showcases against other teams.

Farrell’s take: FACT

Hugh Freeze said he’d do it, Troy head coach Jon Sumrall said he’d love it, and now we have something to talk about. Of course, it can’t be done, but it should be something looked at down the line. Spring games have become as watered down as ever before, and teams get to compete against each other daily in practice. Get an indication of how good you are by playing someone else in the spring. It’s a great idea.

Auburn Tigers head coach Hugh Freeze during Auburn Tigers football practice at the Woltosz Football Performance Center at in Auburn, Ala., on Monday, April 3, 2023.

3. Arch Manning is the top freshman to watch in college football.

Farrell’s take: FICTION

Manning is a big name, and quarterbacks get all the attention, but I have three other true freshmen I’m tracking for big impacts. Zachariah Branch at USC may be tiny at 5-10 and 170 pounds, but he’s as dynamic as they come in college football and could be a D’Anthony Thomas kind of player for Lincoln Riley. Texas A&M looks to rebound from an awful season, and RB Rueben Owens could help change that offense with his speed and power combination. At Florida State, WR Hykeem Williams is a guy to watch as an instant impact player on an already dangerous offense. Every snap Manning takes will be watched, but these guys will make more of an impact.