Penn State football quarterback Drew Allar is consistent. Allar is consistent in his work ethic and habits throughout the week, which often translates into success on gamedays. There was no exception in a 49-10 steamrolling of Purdue today, as he went 17-of-19 with 247 passing yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions.

Allar’s first 10 passes were completions. His only incompletions involved Kaytron Allen as the first was dropped and the second was short. Allar’s 89% completion rate was the highest in his two seasons as Penn State’s starting quarterback.

Although the Medina, Ohio, native’s 2006 passing yards and 13 passing touchdowns ranked outside the top 50 heading into today’s game, his completion percentage has been his bread and butter. His 70.3% rate ranked No. 9 in the country before the game. His five interceptions are also tied for third-fewest in the Big Ten. As a result, James Franklin called Allar’s play “efficient.”

“I think a lot of programs across the country would love to have [Allar] playing quarterback. 17-of-19, so efficient,” he said. “And to me, it’s not just the three touchdowns and no interceptions, it’s also there’s not a lot of plays you can find on tape where you question his decision-making or his accuracy. Some guys come up with no interceptions, but there are two or three throws that they were fortunate not to get. You don’t see that in his play.”

There were similarities and yet massive differences from Allar’s performance last season. He struggled with a 59.9% completion rate, but he only threw two interceptions. In both seasons, he’s sparsely turned the ball over or thrown risky passes.

Allar may not be “flashy,” but he gets the job done every week. Andy Kotelnicki’s game plan allows him and the offense to execute.

“I know coach [Kotelnicki] did a great job of putting the offense in successful positions,” he said. “It was about us going out and completing those passes. I had help from a couple of teammates on contested catches, so it wasn’t just me today. I think it goes back to the offensive staff and having a really good game plan dialed up for us coming into this game.”

Allar’s ability to be efficient during games starts during the week. He’s been described by coaches and teammates as consistently at Holuba Hall watching film or preparing for upcoming games early in the morning.

“He’s the same guy. That’s one of the things I love about him. His process doesn’t change. He works as hard as any quarterback I’ve been around. He’s a morning guy, so he’s in there all the time early in the morning,” Franklin said.

“He’s the same guy every single day, every single game, every single week, Tuesday, Wednesday. It just seems like he’s matured a lot as a player and as a person. He’s my roommate, so I hear him. I live underneath him. I hear him leaving the house early in the morning, going in and watching film, just knowing that he prepared, and he’s preparing to put us in the best situation,” echoed offensive lineman Drew Shelton.

This helps Allar remain confident and unfazed. Allar’s clockwork-esque preparation leading up to today’s matchup and his execution of the game plan wasn’t at the forefront of everyone’s attention, but it was critical in getting the result Penn State needed.

“He just seems poised. No moment’s too big. No moment’s too small for him. He’s consistent. That’s the best way to put it,” Shelton said.