Kaytron Allen hitting stride, says he ‘can’t be denied’ the end zone

Although the faces are the same, there’s been an expectation shift for Penn State football in the running game this fall. Absent are the explosive breakaway runs that made the rushing attack such a dynamic threat in 2022. Instead, the Nittany Lions have relied on a methodical, “bully-ball” style of running through nine games this season. The man leading the charge on this shift has been Penn State RB Kaytron Allen. As Penn State faces perhaps toughest test of the season Saturday against Michigan, Allen discussed his relentless mentality that has translated to his play on the field.

Penn State RB Kaytron Allen “can’t be denied” the end zone

Largely overshadowed by fellow sophomore RB Nick Singleton during the offseason, Kaytron Allen has hit his stride in year two for Penn State football. The Nittany Lions’ leading rusher, Allen has 573 yards and four touchdowns this season.

Even as he continues to share snaps with Singleton, Allen has come into his own in recent weeks, averaging 5.4 yards per carry with one score in Penn State’s last two games. Allen has been a literal and metaphorical bulldozer at times, running over defenders on his way to six points.

“I can’t be denied,” Allen said of his mentality on short-yardage situations, like his most recent 10-yard score against Maryland. “That’s just what’s always going through my mind. I don’t want to be denied. I just want to get in the end zone… I’m going to get in the end zone; there’s no doubt [about that].”

Kaytron Allen bulldozing his way into the end zone.

Allen has 91 yards on 14 carries and a touchdown.

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— Alex Rocco (@AlexRocco13_) November 4, 2023

Has James Franklin thought about making Allen the feature RB for Michigan game?

Given the way Kaytron Allen has been carrying the ball, there’s a legitimate argument to be made that he should become Penn State’s leading RB this season. Allen’s ground-and-pound style has fit the methodological approach that the Nittany Lions have taken on offense this season.

But according to Penn State football coach James Franklin, the Nittany Lions’ rotation of Singleton and Allen keeps both RBs fresh – and dangerous – for this stretch run of the season.

“I think we did this last year, and it was pretty successful,” Franklin said of the rotation this week. “We’re doing it this year, and it’s been pretty successful. We’ve talked a ton about the RBs and having a way to keep those guys fresh for the fourth quarter, but also for the length of their careers, not only at Penn State, but afterwards as well.”

Penn State RB focused on getting better amid toughest test of the season

While Allen has been stacking games in recent weeks, the perhaps toughest test of the year is yet to come. Michigan football comes into this game with the ninth-best rushing defense in college football, giving up just 90 yards a game. This is coming off a game last year where the Wolverines allowed just 111 yards on the ground for Penn State in Ann Arbor.

But for Allen, the focus isn’t on the past. Instead, he says he and his teammates are trying to get better every single day before Saturday.

“Last year, it was a good game [but] we didn’t finish the way we wanted to,” Allen said. “But it’s all about this year. We get to get the game back. So we’re focused on this year. [We’re focused] on today. Today’s practice, trying to get one percent better. And everything will carry over to Saturday.”

“I’m just trying to get better, each and every week, each and every day,” Allen said of his game. “I’m just trying to get one percent better, each and every practice. I’m just doing whatever it takes for my team to win. It’s just a blessing for me.”

Kickoff between Penn State football and Michigan is set for Saturday at noon on FOX.

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