Tyler Warren knows that every time he steps onto the field, opponents are watching him closely.
They know he will be involved in the game, but they can’t predict exactly how he’ll get the ball.
Warren had a standout performance, catching eight passes for 75 yards and rushing for two touchdowns as No. 6 Penn State defeated Washington 35-6 on Saturday night.
With a packed White Out crowd cheering them on, the Nittany Lions (8-1, 5-1 Big Ten) relied on Warren to help them score on their first four possessions, taking control of the game and keeping their College Football Playoff hopes alive.
“Obviously you can see how many ways we got him the ball today, run-game wise, pass-game wise and even some of our option stuff,” said Penn State quarterback Drew Allar. “We just try to get him the ball in the game plan as much as we can.”
The scoring began with an 8-yard touchdown run by Beau Pribula, followed by Warren taking direct snaps for 2-yard touchdown runs on the next two possessions.
On his first touchdown, Warren leaped over a crowded line, and on the second, he powered his way through Washington’s defense for his 20th career touchdown.
“I can’t see how this guy doesn’t win the Mackey Award and the Paul Hornung Award,” said head coach James Franklin, referring to two prestigious awards for tight ends and versatile players. “And they’d be proud of that guy representing their award because he does everything right, both on and off the field.”
Just before halftime, Allar threw an 8-yard touchdown pass to Julian Fleming, extending Penn State’s lead to 28-0 with 23 seconds remaining in the second quarter. Washington (5-5, 3-4) couldn’t capitalize on their opportunities.
They moved the ball into Penn State’s territory early, but kicker Grady Gross missed a 45-yard field goal attempt off the right upright. After two punts on their next three drives, Penn State safety Jaylen Reed intercepted a pass at midfield in the second quarter.
Washington finally scored in the third quarter when Warren fumbled early in the half. After a change at quarterback, Demond Williams Jr. took over, and Gross hit a 24-yard field goal to get the Huskies on the board.
Gross added a 35-yard field goal on the next drive, but Penn State answered with a 16-play drive capped by a 1-yard touchdown run from running back Kaytron Allen, finishing the game’s scoring.
