The Inside Zone

The Inside Zone

Slices of Tuna: Terry Smith says the quiet part out loud with Drew Allar, Penn State

Plus, thoughts on the Brendan Sorsby scandal, Diego Pavia's future and more

Matt Fortuna's avatar
Matt Fortuna
Apr 29, 2026
∙ Paid
Photo: Getty

Good morning. Here are three college football thoughts to chew on as you begin your day.

1. Terry Smith continues to speak the truth

Terry Smith is sometimes too honest for his own good. But no one in Happy Valley will take issue with what Smith said about Drew Allar after the former Penn State QB was drafted by the Steelers.

Speaking this week to 93.7 The Fan in Pittsburgh, Smith, the Nittany Lions’ associate head coach, said:

The Inside Zone is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

“I’ve been known as the truth teller here at Penn State. I think unfairly to Drew, our system wasn’t built for him. It wasn’t made for him. Some of the decisions were taken out of his control.”

X avatar for @937theFan
93.7 The Fan@937theFan
“I think unfairly to Drew, our system wasn’t built for him” Penn State Coach Terry Smith on Allar. @KDPomp @JoeStarkey1 @AustinRBechtold
5:02 PM · Apr 27, 2026 · 279K Views

30 Replies · 65 Reposts · 607 Likes

Smith covered much more ground in the interview, as detailed by Lions247 here.

User's avatar

Continue reading this post for free, courtesy of Matt Fortuna.

Or purchase a paid subscription.
© 2026 Matt Fortuna · Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start your SubstackGet the app
Substack is the home for great culture