Penn State Has a Big Decision to Make

After the 2024 season, many expected at least one of the two to enter the NFL Draft, but to Penn State fan’s joy and Big Ten opposition’s dismay, both decided to return. This has been a beast of a running tandem which has been the heart and soul of the offense since 2022.

Coming into this season, Singleton rushed for 2,912 yards and 32 touchdowns while averaging 5.8 yards per carry. Allen was equally impressive with 2,877 yards, 24 touchdowns and a 5.1-yards per carry average. But for the first time, the level of production has been noticeably favoring one of the two through five games.

Allen is off to his best start at Penn State with 327 yards, four touchdowns and a 7.1-yards per carry average, while Singleton is off to a surprisingly sluggish start with 200 yards, five touchdowns and a 3.8-yard average. Neither of the two performed like an All-American against Oregon, but Singleton’s performance was especially disappointing with only 21 yards on 11 carries.

Penn State has done an amazing job over the last 3.5 season splitting carries between these two top backs. And as a result, they’ve been able to keep them fresh throughout the season. But now it is time to go with the hot hand, especially with the offense lacking explosiveness.

This isn’t to say that Singleton shouldn’t be a part of the offense. He has earned that right and also has the ability to break out at any point, but until he does, Allen should be the priority. The next two games against UCLA (0-4) and Northwestern (2-2) give both backs a chance to feast, especially against the Bruins, but bigger tests lay in waiting after that.

Road games at Iowa (3-2) and No. 1 Ohio State (4-0), and then a return home to face No 8. Indiana (5-0) are the three consecutive games that will determine the level of Penn State’s success this season. And to help improve those chances, Allen needs to be the lead back in Happy Valley.