Singleton and Allen join elite duo in Penn State football history

On Saturday night against Illinois, the Penn State football team saw Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen both eclipse the 2,000-yard career rushing mark. Singleton had accomplished this earlier in the season. However, James Franklin pointed out that this milestone puts them in the company of legendary Nittany Lion running backs.

It was clear from the first series that Illinois did not have the defensive line to stop Penn State from running the ball. So, Andy Kotelnicki adjusted his game plan and attacked the Fighting Illini in the trenches. Against Illinois, Kaytron Allen led the way with 102 rushing yards and a touchdown. In comparison, Nick Singleton accounted for 94 yards and a rushing touchdown.

Following the game, James Franklin pointed out a career milestone that was set by two Penn State football icons.

“Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen are the second set of teammates with 2,000 rushing yards since Franco Harris and Lydell Mitchell,” Franklin said.

Singleton leads Allen so slightly in total yardage, but it’s evident how important both backs are to the program’s success this year.

Nick Singleton (2,221 yards) and Kaytron Allen (2,058 yards) are the second set of Penn State teammates to each have 2,000 career rushing yards, joining Lydell Mitchell (1969-71; 2,934 yds.) and Franco Harris (1969-71; 2,002 yds.)

— Penn State Football Communications (@PennStFBComms) September 29, 2024

Allen explains what scoring a touchdown means to him

Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images

It was Kaytron Allen who sealed the game for the Nittany Lions on Saturday night. His late touchdown put Penn State up 21-7 over Illinois. Following the game, Allen explained what that touchdown meant to him.

“I damn near wanted to cry,” Allen said. “I’m not gonna lie to you. I love football. Anytime I get in the end zone I can express myself.”

Next, Penn State is slated to take on UCLA this Saturday as part of FOX’s Big Noon kickoff.

Thank you for reading Basic Blues Nation, one of the fastest-growing outlets covering Penn State athletics. Part of the Full Ride network, we are an alumni-owned, community-operated, credentialed media outlet dedicated to providing you with updated and reliable insights for all your favorite Nittany Lion sports. Whether it’s Penn State football, basketball, wrestling, or anything in between, you can find it all on Basic Blues Nation!

Please follow us on our social channels, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube, and subscribe to our newsletter on Substack for breaking news and notifications. For feedback, questions, or concerns, please email us at [email protected] or direct message us on social media.