How much will Oregon football’s No. 1 defense rattle Drew Allar, Penn State’s “composed operator”?

EUGENE – Drew Allar’s improved accuracy and efficiency at the helm of Penn State’s offense is a key reason the No. 3 Nittany Lions will face No. 1 Oregon in the Big Ten championship game.

Allar is completing 71.6% of his passes this season, compared to 59.9% last season, with an efficiency rating of 167.54 (versus 136.89). He enters Saturday’s conference title game with 2,668 passing yards, 18 touchdowns and five interceptions, as well as 225 rushing yards and five scores.

“I think composure is certainly one of the things that stands out,” Oregon coach Dan Lanning said. “I understand their plan of attack. I think it’s about taking what’s there. He’s also a guy who has made some really tight throws in some great windows this year. I think he knows his personnel and his strengths and knows who he wants to give the ball to.

“More than anything, a composed operator who can go out there and perform at a really high level and create explosive plays.”

No. 1 Oregon (12-0, 9-0 Big Ten) vs. No. 3 Penn State (11-1, 8-1)

• When: Saturday December 7th
• Time: 5:00 p.m. PT
• Where: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Ind.
• TV channels: CBS
• Electricity: You can watch this game live for FREE with Fubo (free trial) or with DirecTV Stream (free trial). If you already have a cable provider, use your credentials to watch this game on cbssports.com.
• 2024 Oregon Ducks Football Season Schedule, Results
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However, Allar’s worst performances this season came against ranked opponents in Illinois and Ohio State. Overall, he completed 65.9% of his passes for 281 yards with one interception in those games, compared to 72.5% for 2,387 yards and all of his touchdown throws in 10 games against unranked teams.

But those statistical differences have no bearing on how the Ducks view Allar.

“I think he’s a really good quarterback,” nickel safety Brandon Johnson said. “I think he’s precise and has a strong arm.”

First-year offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki, who came to PSU from Kansas, has put Allar in a position to succeed.

RELATED: How will Oregon’s No. 1 football defense limit the impact of Penn State tight end Tyler Warren?

Oregon safety Kobe Savage said the tempo, movements and personnel groups varied more in Kotelnicki’s offense, which he played against during his time at Kansas State.

“It’s a completely different formation variation,” Savage said. “Using different players like (Tyler Warren) and getting the ball to the right players and trying to spread the defense out and miscommunicate them.”

Oregon will be the third top-10 pass defense Allar faces this season. The Ducks also lead the Big Ten in sacks (39).

How he handles the pressure could determine who gets a first-round bye in the College Football Playoff and a spot in the Rose Bowl.

— James Crepea covers that Oregon Ducks and Big Ten. Listen to this Ducks Confidential Podcast or subscribe Ducks Roundup Newsletter.