Penn State’s running back duo couldn’t be stopped in win over Delaware

Labeled as one of the premiere running back duos in the country, Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton combine to create the backbone of a top-tier Penn State offense in 2023.

After the duo broke onto the scene in 2022 with over 1,900 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns, a full offseason of work built a formidable two-headed monster.

That work was put on full display in Penn State’s second game of the season when Allen and Singleton produced at a high level as they complemented each other in big ways.

“I think they have one of the cooler dynamics on the team,” starting quarterback Drew Allar said. “They don’t miss a beat, whoever’s in the game. I love being around them, and it’s really cool when we put both of them in the game because it presents so many challenges to the defense.”

The sophomore running backs were a complete nightmare for the Fightin’ Blue Hens’ defense during No. 7 Penn State’s THON game against Delaware. In the first half alone, Allen drove the offense down the field while Singleton ran in a hat-trick of touchdowns to put the Nittany Lions up 35-7.

The Allen and Singleton show ended after they split 31 rushes for a combined 150 yards and four touchdowns. The star performance drove the Nittany Lions to defeat the Fightin’ Blue Hens 63-7 on Saturday evening.

“Those guys are bought into the idea that we have two starting tailbacks,” head coach James Franklin said. “Sometimes in the heat of the battle, they want more opportunities and more touches, but big picture-wise, we will continue to play them both like starters.”

Against Delaware, the physical and patient Kaytron Allen received seven more carries than the explosive Nicholas Singleton. While some stars rather have all the opportunities to themselves, these teammates embrace how well they complement each other.

“It feels good, but knowing that when he sees something or I see something, we will both tell each other,” Allen said. “We both feed off each other. I’m grateful to be playing with Nick.”

Not only do the second-year running backs help each other in games, but also come together to develop each other’s game styles and add another feature to their rushing abilities.

“We make each other better,” Singleton said. “He’s been helping me a lot. Obviously, the patience, and he’s a physical runner like he is. I’ve always tried to be like that type of runner.”

Singleton and Allen’s chemistry doesn’t just end on the field. It also trickles off the field, where the pair live together to continue to grow their bond.

“We’re always with each other and always talking with each other,” Allen said. “It’s more than football and just being with each other all the time. That’s my brother for real. We work together really well.”

As Penn State kicks off its Big Ten part of the schedule against Illinois, Singleton said he has a ton of confidence in the ability of the offense to perform with the pieces they have.

“You can run or pass with the weapons that we have,” Singleton said. “The receivers can run, catch and score touchdowns, so can the tight ends, and they do a good job on the line. Then there’s us, so it’s gonna be scary for all the other defenses.”

Micheal Bolger is a junior majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, please email mpb6233@psu.edu.