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James Franklin highlights Tyler Warren as 2nd-half key for Penn State vs. OSU

Bryce Lazenby

By Bryce Lazenby

Published:

James Franklin’s Penn State team entered halftime in a 14-10 deficit against Ohio State in Week 10. The Nittany Lions offense struggled to get anything going in the 1st half and the team’s only touchdown came on a pick-6.

Perhaps most surprisingly, star tight end Tyler Warren did not record a single catch in the 1st half. Warren has more than double the receptions of any other pass-catcher on the team this season, so getting the senior involved will be critical.

At halftime, Franklin stressed the need to get Warren involved,

“We’ve got to get that guy more touches, he’s crucial for our offense,” said Franklin. The coach also told FOX’s Jenny Taft that his team has been a great second-half team this season.

As Franklin noted, the Nittany Lions have been elite in the 2nd half of games. The team has yet to be outscored in a 2nd half this season.

Entering Week 10, Warren had 47 catches for 559 yards and 4 TDs. The TE set a record last month against USC by catching a whopping 17 passes for 224 yards and 1 TD. The Nittany Lions went on to win that game 33-30 in overtime.

Warren has at least 3 catches in each game this season, so Franklin will surely get the star involved in the 2nd half. With 5 minutes to go in the 3rd quarter, the Nittany Lions were down 17-13.

Bryce Lazenby

Bryce Lazenby covers college football for Saturday Tradition. A Nashville native, his previous stops include FanSided, Dimers, and The Leaf-Chronicle.