I’m going to say something in a few paragraphs and you’re going to be like “Darian, what were you drinking today?”
And I’ll be honest, it’s probably the fair and proper reaction to have all things considered. Penn State played Kent State today. Penn State set a program record against the Golden Flashes for most yards in a game at 718 while winning 56-0. In no way was Penn State really challenged like the way Penn State was challenged in what I’m about to mention.
But here we go.
Back in September of 2017, I saw what I firmly believe is the single greatest performance by a Penn State football player ever. On a night in Iowa City, I watched Saquon Barkley tear up Iowa’s defense in a way that I’ve never seen before. In particular, there were two plays that will forever be burned in my brain from that night. The first came about midway through the third quarter when Barkley unleashed an unbelievable cutback against Iowa’s defense along the sideline. The second came in the fourth quarter when Barkley leaped over a Hawkeye and kept on running. In sum, he racked up 211 yards rushing and added another 94 receiving.
Of course, you probably remember that game for other reasons – thanks to Juwan Johnson – but in my mind, it is one of the greatest performances or even a singular stretch of individual plays I’ve seen as a Penn State fan.
And again, when you read what I’m about to say, please keep in mind that Penn State did not play in as hostile of an environment or as tough of an opponent today.
Tyler Warren reminded me of that Saquon Barkley.
I know, it’s a stretch. It’s a leap, it’s a reach but for the first time since 2017, it seems like Penn State doesn’t just have a good player or an even great player on its roster. It has the best player at their position on offense in the country – a legitimate game changer that in some ways Penn State’s offense hasn’t had since Barkley made it to the NFL.
What makes me sound crazier is that I’m largely basing this entire point on two plays – one of which doesn’t fall under Warren’s primary responsibilities.
Warren’s one-handed grab was one of the most electric, impressive catches that any tight end has ever snagged in the history of Penn State football – or at least as long as I can remember.
And Warren’s incredible touchdown pass to Nicholas Singleton is what makes him such a weapon for Penn State’s offense.
Seriously.
I know. I know. Two plays against Kent State and there were other reasons to be excited. In all reality, Penn State would have been just fine without Warren today.
Drew Allar looked excellent once again in Beaver Stadium. He hurled a ball so far to Omari Evans on the money that said ball probably needed FAA clearance.
And Allar was confident again – even when Penn State’s offense was maybe a touch sluggish to start for those still restless from Penn State’s close win over Bowling Green.
But a lot of the excitement came because of Warren – and he sure made Saturday afternoon’s contest a lot more fun to watch.
There was a wide open Warren, who Allar found down the middle for six on a 16-yard throw. It was another well designed play by Andy Kotelnicki, keeping his vow of utilizing the best players on the field.
Then came the highlight reel catch from Warren. The one-handed snag was impressive as is, but to then take a shot – to the head – from a Kent State defender and still hold on to the ball, not many people can do that.
Further, Warren’s throw on a Singleton, effectively around an Golden Flash defender, was not just a fun moment of what Kotelnicki’s offense can do but a reminder that Warren can change the game. From there, any sour taste of Bowling Green had been replaced by a party in the crowd and confident Warren.
It was a type of confidence that Penn State’s offense has largely been missing over the last few years. At times you saw that confidence with Sean Clifford, but it was more of a chip on the shoulder, I’m-going-to-prove-you-wrong attitude.
Before that, there was Barkley – arguably the best player in the 21st century for Penn State. He was, simply put, electric. He was the reason you paid for the ticket. He was the reason Penn State’s offense was so much fun during the Joe Moorhead coordinated years.
Every time he touched the ball, something would happen, and more times than not it was usually big. We’re seeing that from Warren right now, too. He has been Penn State’s MVP and then some so far in 2024.
That is no discredit to Allar, who is playing like the five star quarterback so many had wanted him to be. It’s just that Warren is causing a lot of problems for opposing teams in the very fashion we saw Barkley do back in 2016 and 2017.
Sure there were big moments but there were little ones too on Saturday. He helped Penn State gain a first down early in the contest by pushing Kaytron Allen forward. He blocked well repeatedly and provided the steady support for Allar, reminiscent of, yes, the Trace-Saquon connection back then too. It was those little things – and then the big plays – that made Barkley so special, and it was hard not to see that in Warren Saturday afternoon too.
Teams will have to plan around Warren. Penn State hasn’t had a true weapon like that on offense since Barkley. How the tight end who caught five passes for 50 yards on Saturday handles tougher tests remains to be seen. I’ll give you that and slow the hype train a bit there but the proof that we’ve seen him grow year after year to what looks like the best tight end in the country is hard to deny.
Warren is different, Saquon different.
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