Penn State football star Nicholas Singleton recaptures confidence with electric Week 1 outing

Football is back, and so is Nicholas Singleton. After a 2023 that many would classify as a “sophomore slump,” the junior Penn State football star recaptured the spark that made him one of the nation’s most electrifying freshmen running backs during the Nittany Lions’ 34-12 win over West Virginia in Morgantown Saturday.

Singleton, who had just one 100-yard game a year ago, nearly eclipsed his 2023 season high with his Week 1 performance. The Nittany Lion tailback led Penn State football in rushing with 114 yards on 13 carries. He also added one reception for 13 yards.

The key to Singleton’s success against the Mountaineers was his breakaway speed in the second level. Last year, Singleton’s longest rush came in the regular season finale against Michigan State, a carry of 24 yards.

Saturday, Nicholas Singleton gashed the West Virginia defense for a pair of 40-yard runs. The first went for a score in the critical opening drive out of a 139-minute weather delay to extend the Penn State football lead to three touchdowns.

Nick Singleton House Call💨

pic.twitter.com/EWFEwoElZS

— PFF College (@PFF_College) August 31, 2024

After the game, Singleton explained how that touchdown run helped wash away the difficulties of 2023.

“It felt good. You know, it felt good,” Singleton said. “You know, a lot of long runs I didn’t have last year. Just to have that one, just to boost my confidence again, too. So [I] just gotta keep going.”

This summer, Singleton told us that, even though he’s added five pounds to his frame this offseason, he’s improved his speed. After Saturday’s performance, we no longer have to go on his word alone.

Penn State offensive line has been “excellent,” says Nicholas Singleton

© Alex Disabella / Basic Blues Nation, 2024.

Equally important to the Nittany Lions’ success on the ground against West Virginia was the offensive front. Penn State football had to replace first-round NFL Draft pick Olu Fashanu, along with Caedan Wallace and Hunter Nourzad, heading into the 2024 season.

The result was an almost near domination of the line of scrimmage. Penn State ran for 222 yards on the afternoon and didn’t give up a sack in a combined four-touchdown outing from Drew Allar and Beau Pribula.

“I feel like everything opened up,” Singleton said when discussing the offensive success on the ground. “You know, everybody’s doing their job. O-line [was] doing their job. So, really, nothing crazy [regarding changes in scheme]. It’s just, you know, it starts up a front. Like I said, they’ve been excellent. I should give them the credit, man.”

While you can’t draw conclusions from Week 1, one thing is clear. Nicholas Singleton is running into 2024 with a full head of steam.

Next, Penn State football returns to Beaver Stadium for its home opener against Bowling Green. Kickoff is set for noon next Saturday on the Big Ten Network.

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.