College football legend Gary Danielson is calling it a career, but not before sharing his candid thoughts on Penn State’s biggest season yet! Can Drew Allar make the leap to greatness? Danielson breaks down why this team reminds him of a legendary squad and what they really need to do to finally win a national championship. Are the Nittany Lions truly ready?

Veteran CBS Sports analyst Gary Danielson prepares for his 36th and final season in the booth, commencing his broadcasting farewell tour with a poignant visit to Beaver Stadium to cover the Penn State-Nevada game. Danielson, known for his diligent preparation, fondly recalls his working lunches with former coach Joe Paterno, underscoring a deep-seated respect and connection to the **Penn State Football** program.

This visit is particularly significant as the second-ranked **Nittany Lions** embark on their most anticipated season under head coach **James Franklin**, aiming for the program’s first national championship since 1986. Danielson views Penn State as an appealing choice to kick off his final season, recognizing the immense pressure and potential surrounding the team’s aspirations.

In a compelling interview, Danielson drew an intriguing parallel between the current **Nittany Lions** squad, particularly quarterback **Drew Allar**, and the undefeated 1994 team led by Kerry Collins. He suggests that if Allar can demonstrate a similar leap in development from his junior to senior year, akin to Collins’ transformation, then this “loaded team” could achieve something truly special, even reaching **College Football Playoff** contention.

Danielson also offered critical insights into **Penn State Football**’s offensive strategy, reflecting on last year’s perceived hesitancy to fully utilize their wide receivers. He argued that while bludgeoning opponents with the running game and tight ends can secure wins, the team must consistently involve all offensive weapons to be prepared for those crucial, game-deciding moments requiring the quarterback to make a precise throw under pressure.

The seasoned analyst emphasized the importance of Drew Allar taking more calculated risks and engaging his receivers more frequently to ensure they feel an integral part of the offense. He believes this strategic shift, guided by offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki and James Franklin, is the “final step” for Allar to unlock his full potential as an NFL starting quarterback and expand the team’s offensive attack.

Beyond the passing game, Gary Danielson CBS Sports expressed his admiration for running back Kaytron Allen, whom he considers the true engine that makes the team go. Comparing Allen’s physical running style to that of former NFL greats Billy Sims and Earnest Byner, Danielson highlighted the “electricity” Allen generates for the entire Nittany Lions team with his hard-nosed play.

Ultimately, Danielson’s analysis extended to the broader challenge of winning a National Championship. He underscored that even exceptionally talented and “loaded” teams like Penn State must make clutch plays in critical, late-game situations. Success hinges not just on talent, but on the ability to execute flawlessly under immense pressure, distinguishing champions from contenders.

For Penn State Football to truly contend for a title, Danielson advocates for a comprehensive approach, where fans witness a team capable of attacking broadly on both offense and defense, with receivers established as genuine threats. This ensures that the Nittany Lions possess the depth and versatility needed to make those pivotal plays at the end of games, ultimately fulfilling their championship ambitions.