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Penn State grades out well against Purdue; should Tyler Warren be in the Heisman conversation?: What they're saying

Greg Pickelby: Greg Pickel11/17/24GregPickel
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Penn State Nittany Lions tight end Tyler Warren (44) is defended by Purdue Boilermakers defensive back Kyndrich Breedlove (10) during the first quarter at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Penn State is being praised locally and nationally after dominating Purdue 49-10 on Saturday at Ross-Ade Stadium. The Nittany Lions (9-1) never trailed and were dominating throughout the contest. Here’s a sampling is what is being said locally and nationally about head coach James Franklin’s team on Sunday.

Lions grade out well in this win

While there are sometimes questions about particular units following a win, there really aren’t any after this one. Frank Bodani of The York Daily Record gave the Lions As almost across the board and certainly overall.

“The Lions were able to do everything they wanted from start to finish, which includes getting a good run from its star performers and plenty of important relief work for top backups like Central York’s Pribula, freshman running back Corey Smith and a load of defenders,” Bodani writes.

Read the full story here.

Should Tyler Warren be in the Heisman conversation?

James Franklin certainly thinks so. Does PennLive’s Johnny McGonigal agree? He weighed in on the topic in his postgame column.

“Realistically, Warren hoisting the coveted bronze statue isn’t likely to happen. Warren is not among the 20 players with listed Heisman odds on DraftKings Sportsbook, as of Saturday night,” McGonigal writes.

“The Nittany Lions, though, have witnessed Warren do everything at a high level. Been a willing and effective blocker. He’s kept defenses on their toes in the Wildcat, even getting under center and sneaking for first downs. He’s been a target and YAC machine for Allar. Warren has been a Swiss Army Knife for creative first-year offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki. In the eyes of Franklin and his teammates, Warren has been a player worthy of Heisman consideration. Only time will tell whether he gets that consideration or not.”

Read the full story here.

Penn State takes another step toward the CFP

That’s what CBS national college football writer Will Blackus focused on in his takeaways piece om the Lions’ latest win.

“As he has been all year, tight end Tyler Warren was Allar’s favorite target,” Blackus writes. “Penn State’s multi-dimensional weapon put up a video game stat line: eight catches for 127 yards and one touchdown with three rushes for 63 yards and another touchdown. He’s the first FBS tight end since 2000 with 50-plus yards rushing with one or more touchdowns rushing and 100-plus yards receiving with one or more touchdowns through the air. 

“With Saturday’s win, Penn State took one more step towards an at-large spot in the College Football Playoff. The Nittany Lions close the year on the road against Minnesota, which could give them a decent test, and then return home to play a Maryland team with just one win in Big Ten play thus far.”

Read the full story here.