STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — Whatever game plan Kent State had for No. 10 Penn State was quickly altered Saturday afternoon.
A game already expected to get out of hand early suddenly featured Kent State’s third-string quarterback, Tommy Ulatowski, leading the offense after starter Devin Kargman and backup JD Sherrod both exited with injuries in the first half and did not return.
James Franklin’s Nittany Lions weren’t perfect as the offense needed a quarter to hit its stride, but the end result was every bit as lopsided as expected for the home team that entered as 49-point favorites. Penn State cruised to a 56-0 win against the winless Golden Flashes.
Here are my takeaways from Penn State’s win.
The quick-strike ability of this offense survived the idle week
Penn State’s opening drive stalled at the Kent State 25-yard line when backup quarterback Beau Pribula, in as part of s speciality package, fired an interception into the hands of Kameron Olds. It’s the kind of momentum-shifting play that against a better opponent could give the home crowd pause.
Against Kent State, it was, indeed, simply a blip, though it will do little to calm the nerves of those who question taking the ball out of Drew Allar’s hands and regularly putting it in those of the backup for a change of pace.
Pribula’s interception ended a drive that should’ve resulted in points. It was one of the only negatives for this offense all game. Four of the Nittany Lions’ next five drives in the first half would result in touchdowns. Penn State scored three touchdowns in the second quarter to put the game well out of reach.
Allar was again sharp, completing 17 of 21 passes for 309 yards and three touchdowns. Allar connected with wide receiver Omari Evans for a 59-yard touchdown to open the second half and extend Penn State’s lead to 35-0. It was Allar’s final pass of the game as Pribula took over. Seven of Allar’s passes went for 15 yards or more, with four of them netting gains of 38 yards or more. After lacking last season, the big plays sure look like they’re here to stay for the passing attack.
Tyler Warren makes a case as one of the top tight ends in the country
Offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki, known for his creativity, had to salivate this winter when he learned Warren was a quarterback in high school.
All offseason, as Kotelnicki spoke of his willingness to tailor this offense to Penn State’s personnel, it was always in the back of my mind that at some point Warren would throw a pass. Warren even smiled about it this summer when asked if he expected to do so at some point this season.
Sure enough, in the second quarter, Warren threw a 17-yard touchdown pass to running back Nick Singleton. More than that Saturday, Warren solidified his status as one of the most important playmakers on this team and as one of the best tight ends in the country.
Warren also made an impressive one-handed catch along the sideline.
This catch was INSANE!!! 🤯
Tyler Warren only needs one hand 🤚😤@PennStateFball pic.twitter.com/UcZlAzuoEQ
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 21, 2024
He also reeled off a 16-yard rush in the first quarter when he took a direct snap out of the Wildcat. He had five receptions for 50 yards, including a 16-yard touchdown.
Warren’s versatility will be showcased in this offense, and Franklin even went out of his way this week to mention how good Warren is. The head coach was asked about a backup tight end and within his answer stumped for Warren to make a run at the Mackey Award, given annually to the nation’s top tight end.
“Tyler Warren is the most complete tight end in college football,” Franklin said Wednesday. “I think a lot of times it’s lazy when we give the awards to the guys especially at the tight end position that has the most catches and the most yards. There’s a lot more to playing tight end than just catches and yards. He’s a complete tight end — which to me is what the award should be about.”
Are the sacks back?
Defensive ends Dani Dennis-Sutton and Abdul Carter both recorded a sack, their first of the season.
Penn State’s pass rush has been in question during nonconference play. Bowling Green unloaded the ball quickly, while Kent State, which was physically outmatched in both trenches, went with a heavy dose of run plays, likely because of its numerous injuries at quarterback.
There’s only so much any offense can do when it’s down to their third-string quarterback and after losing Kargman, the starter, on the second play from scrimmage, this already unfair fight immediately turned even more lopsided.
Whether this pass rush will step up against a much better opponent will be a focal point next Saturday night when No. 24 Illinois, which beat Nebraska Friday night in overtime, comes to town.
(Photo of Tyler Warren: Matthew O’Haren / Imagn Images)
