Drew Allen Takes the Field at QB for Syracuse Against Penn State
By Jack Crosby
Nov 26, 2011; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooner quarterback Drew Allen (15) prior to the game against the Iowa State Cyclones at Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
The Penn State Nittany Lions weren’t the only team on the field Saturday afternoon inside Metlife Stadium facing a bit of quarterback uncertainty. Their opponents, the Syracuse Orange, also had a last-minute decision to make between Oklahoma transfer Drew Allen and the returning Terrel Hunt.
When the Orange took the field after Penn State’s first drive, Allen was the one who got the nod.
This QB race for Syracuse was eerily similar to that of their opponent’s. Allen wasn’t present for their spring contest–as Christian Hackenberg wasn’t for Penn State’s–and would have to win the job from his competition in fall camp. Allen apparently impressed first-year head coach Scott Shafer just enough that he was given the opportunity here in the opening week.
While playing time at Oklahoma was sparse playing behind Landry Jones, Allen brings the experience to the table that he’s soaked in the last few seasons in Norman.
In his first series, Allen led a 9 play, 33-yard drive which resulted in a punt. He was 5-5 with 35 yards in his first piece of starting action.