Criticism of Allar and PSU Passing Game probably way over-done given weather conditions - especially the wind, reported to be gusting as high as 35 mp

[CJFisJoePaII]

If you look at the passing stats for both teams, it is quite obvious that it was near impossible to throw the ball with any consistency - especially downfield. SMU QB was only 20 of 37 with the avg passing attempt going for only 5.3 yards (and avg completion only going 9.75 yards). He threw 3 INTs (2 pick-6s). Allar was 13 of 22 for 127 yards (5.8 yards per attempt / 9.8 yards per completion) - however, he had 0 INTs.

Yesterday's weather conditions (again, especially the wind) heavily suggested the team that ran the ball better would win.... and if you tried to force the ball throwing, you would likely pay the price. PSU ended up with 40 rushing attempts for 190 yards (4.7 ypc) - SMU tried to run the ball, but couldn't, they had 36 rushing attempts for 58 yards (1.6 ypc). Their only chance at winning was to try and throw the ball - IOW, forcing it... they paid the price, but it really was their only choice to try and win as they couldn't run the ball.... and PSU could (that combination put a lot of pressure on SMU's QB and passing game.).

The home field advantage that PSU had - especially with the weather conditions - was utterly overwhelming for SMU.... fatal to be specific, realistically SMU had no chance once it became apparent that their only chance of moving the ball and scoring was throwing the ball.

You cannot consistently throw the ball in those kind of conditions (especially those kind of winds), so I think it's kind of silly to try and evaluate Drew as if the conditions were conducive to throwing the ball - throwing the ball a lot in those kind of conditions is a complete crap-shoot and your chances of any real success are extremely low, while you're probability of a lot of bad stuff (lots of 3-&-outs, INTs, etc...) are very high.

The Fiesta Bowl will be the diametric opposite - conditions will likely be perfect for throwing the ball, including balmy weather conditions and a "fast track" artificial surface. Drew will do fine in Tempe.

 

[m.knox]

The Fiesta Bowl will be the diametric opposite - conditions will likely be perfect for throwing the ball, including balmy weather conditions and a "fast track" artificial surface. Drew will do fine in Tempe.

And PSU has Fiesta Bowl karma on their side. 7-0.

 

[zubrus1]

And PSU has Fiesta Bowl karma on their side. 7-0.

Boise is 3-0 in the Fiesta Bowl. Something’s gotta give…

 

[21 East]

I agree with your points, but offer a small correction. The Fiesta Bowl is no longer in Tempe; it’s now at the Cardinals’ indoor stadium on the other side of Phoenix. The current weather forecast is about 65F at kickoff and I’m guessing about 55F by the end of the game, so I imagine the roof will be closed the entire game.

 

[Lionsfan1000]

The cult is in session.

 

[Safety Blitz]

I believe the game will be played on natural grass.
Other than a few significant details, the Preppie has a pretty firm grasp of the obvious.

 

[21 East]

I believe the game will be played on natural grass.
Other than a few significant details, the Preppie has a pretty firm grasp of the obvious.

You’re correct. I forgot about that, but the entire field rolls outside the stadium when not in use so that they can have natural turf.

 

[Rip_E_2_Joe_PA]

If you look at the passing stats for both teams, it is quite obvious that it was near impossible to throw the ball with any consistency - especially downfield. SMU QB was only 20 of 37 with the avg passing attempt going for only 5.3 yards (and avg completion only going 9.75 yards). He threw 3 INTs (2 pick-6s). Allar was 13 of 22 for 127 yards (5.8 yards per attempt / 9.8 yards per completion) - however, he had 0 INTs.

Yesterday's weather conditions (again, especially the wind) heavily suggested the team that ran the ball better would win.... and if you tried to force the ball throwing, you would likely pay the price. PSU ended up with 40 rushing attempts for 190 yards (4.7 ypc) - SMU tried to run the ball, but couldn't, they had 36 rushing attempts for 58 yards (1.6 ypc). Their only chance at winning was to try and throw the ball - IOW, forcing it... they paid the price, but it really was their only choice to try and win as they couldn't run the ball.... and PSU could (that combination put a lot of pressure on SMU's QB and passing game.).

The home field advantage that PSU had - especially with the weather conditions - was utterly overwhelming for SMU.... fatal to be specific, realistically SMU had no chance once it became apparent that their only chance of moving the ball and scoring was throwing the ball.

You cannot consistently throw the ball in those kind of conditions (especially those kind of winds), so I think it's kind of silly to try and evaluate Drew as if the conditions were conducive to throwing the ball - throwing the ball a lot in those kind of conditions is a complete crap-shoot and your chances of any real success are extremely low, while you're probability of a lot of bad stuff (lots of 3-&-outs, INTs, etc...) are very high.

The Fiesta Bowl will be the diametric opposite - conditions will likely be perfect for throwing the ball, including balmy weather conditions and a "fast track" artificial surface. Drew will do fine in Tempe.

The only stupid a$$es criticizing Allar's passing yesterday are morons on this board either short sited poster or trills. He did exactly what he should do under the circumstances. And he ran like a horse. Onward!

 

[tboyer]

I didn't like his pocket play. I get that it was hard to throw the ball; my problem was him hesitating and holding. One play he passed up wide open #13 for a 1st down because he was waiting for something to open up downfield. You can't do that. You hold the ball 4-5 seconds in the pocket, bad things happen.

He's not throwing picks though and that remains one of his best qualities. Allar seems aware of his own limitations, and that's a good thing, that's maturity. He's not trying to win games all by himself.

 

[CJFisJoePaII]

I didn't like his pocket play. I get that it was hard to throw the ball; my problem was him hesitating and holding. One play he passed up wide open #13 for a 1st down because he was waiting for something to open up downfield. You can't do that. You hold the ball 4-5 seconds in the pocket, bad things happen.

He's not throwing picks though and that remains one of his best qualities. Allar seems aware of his own limitations, and that's a good thing, that's maturity. He's not trying to win games all by himself.

Agree with that. Sometimes Drew will start acting indecisive after 3 or 4 seconds.... then gets happy-feet looking to extend play and do something with ball. It's one thing if you're down in the game and you're down to limited possessions and it's 3rd or 4th down....... but you can't be taking 10+ yard sacks when you're leading - especially when you've got a multiple score lead. That's just poor field management / decision making.