In many ways, Penn State football’s Tyler Warren is a throwback tight end. He hadn’t been much of a threat in the passing game until this season, and is usually most effective as a de facto sixth offensive lineman.
Warren had 10 receptions in each of his first two seasons, and he had already matched that number through the first three games of Year 3. He also had six touchdowns in his first two year, and he’s already at four this season after hauling in a pair of TDs from Drew Allar in the third quarter in Saturday’s 31-0 shutout over Iowa.
There's wide open and then there's WIDE OPEN.@PennStateFball opens the 2nd half with a touchdown march 💪 pic.twitter.com/jq3jrIFttE
— CBS Sports College Football 🏈 (@CBSSportsCFB) September 24, 2023
When it rains, it pours.@PennStateFball extends its lead 💥 pic.twitter.com/YvDmA35FJj
— CBS Sports College Football 🏈 (@CBSSportsCFB) September 24, 2023
His two touchdowns were part of three on the day for a Penn State tight end. Khalil Dinkins scored the Lions’ first TD of the game from 9 yards that put the Nits up 10-0 in the second quarter.
Warren showed he was the ultimate teammate, saying he was probably more exciting for Dinkins’ TD catch than he was for either of his own.
“He works hard, and for a young guy to get a touchdown in the White Out was pretty special,” Warren told reporters after the game.
Warren was just one small role in an entire offense that beat Iowa in the exact same way Iowa likes to beat their opponents: Time of possession. PSU won that battle, 45:27-14:33.
PSU was on the field for more than 13 minutes in the third quarter. Although it can be a challenge staying locked in for long periods, Allar credited everyone for being able to do so.
“At the end of the day, we’re all just playing football,” Allar said. “It’s easy to get off your game if you’re not locked in every play. We do a good job of just living in the moment, not looking into the future or the past. That showed tonight with how we were able to control the ball.”
Warren and Allar played a crucial role in grinding out line drives, going 3-for-3 on 4th and 1 situations where coach James Franklin called for a quarterback sneak. The junior tight end is usually found going in motion and pushing Allar in quarterback sneaks that have become so popular in both the college and NFL ranks.
Are those QB sneaks enjoyable for Allar?
“You definitely take some hits in those,” he said. “The offensive line does a good job of getting that initial push up front, and then Tyler is pushing me forward. It’s fun to run.”
What about Warren?
It’s a throwback answer.
“When they work out for us, I definitely enjoy them,” Warren said. “It’s kind of an old-school play and just getting bodies on bodies. It’s definitely fun.”
