Notre Dame and Penn State have engaged in the most intense competition for the title of Tight End U in recent CFB history. But in the CFP semifinals, Penn State will have a clear advantage at the position when the Irish and Nittany Lions square off in the Orange Bowl. All thanks to Tyler Warren, the outstanding tight end for the Nittany Lions and the Mackey Award winner, and his exceptional talent. “He’s a beast.” James Franklin, the coach at Penn State, has praised Warren throughout the season. And now, a national analyst is breaking down Penn State’s biggest threat.

Josh Pate disclosed Penn State’s greatest danger in a recent College Football Show video, saying, “The big topic of conversation around the Irish right now is how do we stop Tyler Warren.” Warren, who is 6′ 6″ and 261 pounds, is the size of a classic tight end, although the Nittany Lions only occasionally use him in that capacity. “He’s a big-time player, and he’s doing it when all eyes are on him, and he’s the focus of the game plan. So he’s a special guy. … He’s a stud. ” once remarked PSU HC.

In light of all of this, Josh Pate questioned, “How do you contain him? How do you defend him? How do you limit him? Well, that is up to the imagination.” Notre Dame is ranked second in the FBS this season in terms of man coverage percentage. Thus, they play a lot. And they run more than 50% of the time, making them one of the four teams with that record in the category.

“I would imagine with the lack of maybe other game-breaking playmaker-type weapons out wide on Penn State’s side. They’ll probably do that.” Josh Pate said, describing the strategy for limiting. In addition, he said, “I don’t know that Notre Dame feels there is any need to change what they here. Penn State’s best threat in the passing game is Tyler Warren at tight end.“

However, it’s one thing to know that the other team’s most important piece. It’s totally different to actually scheme to stop him. Many teams tried to stop Warren throughout the season, but with little luck. You’d think he’s out of the game for a few minutes, and then immediately, the ball goes to him, and it’s game over. It’s actually disheartening for the defense at times. However, the Fighting Irish’s defense isn’t too bad either.

Of course, being independent, they may not have faced strong offenses, but so far, in the playoffs, the defense has played well. Imagine beating an SEC team by physically overpowering them. That’s what Marcus Freeman’s team did against the Bulldogs. However, Tyler Warren will make sure that the defense have their hands full.

Tyler Warren as a threat

Tyler Warren is undoubtedly a gifted, athletic pass-catcher—his 98 receptions this season rank fourth in the country, his 1,158 receiving yards rank eleventh. He has eight receiving touchdowns—but he is also a strong blocker who can move bodies in the backfield as a fullback or on the end.

In order to use the senior, the Nittany Lions can even position him up in the backfield to take the snap. This season, he has rushed 24 times for 197 yards and four touchdowns. He even received the snap, sprinted downfield, and grabbed a touchdown pass in a game versus Southern California.

To put it briefly, Warren is a football player that the Nittany Lions will utilize for any reason. “When he can line up really anywhere on the field, it makes it very challenging. His physical skills, his athletic skills, and his intelligence allows us to use him in a ton of different ways,” said Franklin.

In recognition of his accomplishments, Warren placed seventh in this year’s Heisman Trophy vote. This is the highest ranking for a tight end since Ken MacAfee of Notre Dame placed 3rd in 1977. He grabbed two touchdowns in Penn State’s quarterfinal CFP victory over Boise State. Notre Dame knows exactly how difficult it will be to slow down one of the most dynamic players in the nation. But let’s see what transpires on Tuesday.