Penn State’s Painful Déjà Vu: Can Drew Allar and James Franklin Rewrite History?
Heartbreak and Penn State football seem to go hand in hand when it comes to national title aspirations. The Nittany Lions were agonizingly close to glory in the Orange Bowl, only to have their championship dreams shattered in the dying moments. Drew Allar, the promising young quarterback, had the weight of a storied program on his shoulders. The pressure was immense, the stakes were sky-high, and yet, Notre Dame delivered the knockout punch, securing a narrow 27-24 victory.
But here’s the twist—this isn’t the first time Penn State has endured such gut-wrenching disappointment on the brink of a title run. History has a funny way of repeating itself, and if the past is any indicator, the Nittany Lions might just be on the verge of something special.
Echoes of the Past: Is Penn State Destined for Redemption?
Flashback to 1985. Penn State was an unstoppable force, storming through the season with 11 straight wins, only to be blindsided by No. 3 Oklahoma in the Orange Bowl. A crushing 25-10 defeat robbed them of a shot at the national championship. The pain of that loss lingered, fueling their hunger for redemption. One year later, the Nittany Lions rewrote the narrative, charging through the 1986 season undefeated and claiming their second national championship.
Now, fast forward to today. The script feels eerily similar. Another heartbreaking Orange Bowl loss. Another team on the cusp of greatness. Could this be the beginning of another historic comeback? One Penn State legend certainly thinks so.
John Shaffer’s Take: A Lifeline for James Franklin?
John Shaffer, the quarterback who led PSU to its 1986 national title, sees striking similarities between his squad’s journey and the one Allar and Franklin are navigating. Speaking on Behind the Wall with Landon Tengwall, Shaffer dissected the comparisons, but he was quick to draw one key distinction:
“Definitely not at the quarterback position. No comparison there,” he stated bluntly.
Shaffer, who was pulled from the 1985 Orange Bowl in the fourth quarter, watched as Allar played the full game—only to make just 12 passes, none of which connected with a receiver. The final, crushing moment came when Allar threw a fateful interception deep in Penn State’s territory, paving the way for Notre Dame’s game-winning field goal. It was a dagger to the heart of the Nittany Lions’ fanbase, reminiscent of past heartbreaks.
But despite the disappointment, Shaffer had words of encouragement for the program. “The team played really, really well. They had some highs and lows – lost to Ohio State but then came back. They got further in the playoffs than I think most people really thought. They really played themselves into being a good team.”
The Road to Redemption: Can Allar Handle the Pressure?
The pieces are there for Penn State to turn the page. Drew Allar, now entering his final year, has the opportunity to rewrite his legacy. He has the size, the arm, and the physical attributes of an elite quarterback. But as analysts have pointed out, his ability to rise in high-pressure moments remains a concern.
“He needs to have better instincts,” noted Joe DeLeone of The Ruffino & Joe Show. The challenge isn’t just about physical talent—it’s about decision-making under fire.
And Allar isn’t the only one under scrutiny. James Franklin, despite dodging some of the immediate blame, is under mounting pressure to ensure that 2025 doesn’t slip away like past seasons. His ability to build a championship-contending offense will be tested like never before.
Fixing the Offense: Franklin’s Most Urgent Task
The Nittany Lions’ offense faces serious questions heading into the next season. Losing Harrison Wallace III and Omari Evans to the transfer portal was a major blow. The Orange Bowl loss made it painfully clear—Penn State’s wide receivers failed to create separation, limiting Allar’s options and ultimately stalling the offense.
To make matters worse, star tight end Tyler Warren declared for the NFL Draft, leaving yet another hole in Allar’s arsenal. Now, Franklin must act fast. He’s already dipped into the transfer portal, bringing in Kyron Hudson and Devonte Ross, but their impact remains uncertain. Are they enough to transform Penn State’s offense into a championship-caliber unit? That remains to be seen.
The Moment of Truth: Can Penn State Finally Deliver?
With the weight of history looming over them, the 2025 season presents an undeniable opportunity. Penn State has been here before—on the edge of greatness, only to falter when it mattered most. But if history truly repeats itself, as it did in the ‘80s, then perhaps this painful Orange Bowl loss is merely the setup for a long-awaited championship run.
Drew Allar has one more shot. James Franklin has one more shot. The Nittany Lions have one more shot.
Will they rise, or will the ghosts of past failures haunt them once more?
