<body><div><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=4IwCvz_0w0vv7EQ00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4IwCvz_0w0vv7EQ00" width="1182" height="619" ><a href="https://247sports.com/college/penn-state/">Penn State</a> football coach <a href="https://247sports.com/Coach/james-franklin-56/">James Franklin</a> expressed confidence Monday that running back <a href="https://247sports.com/Player/Nick-Singleton-46084442">Nick Singleton</a> will be available to play Saturday at <a href="https://247sports.com/college/usc/">USC</a>. Our lone look at Nittany Lions practice action this week was also encouraging, as the star playmaker was a full participant during a Wednesday viewing window."Looking forward to having Nick back out there, bringing that explosiveness," Penn State quarterback <a href="https://247sports.com/Player/drew-allar-46096466/">Drew Allar</a> said earlier Wednesday.<a href="https://247sports.com/college/penn-state/article/penn-state-nick-singleton-running-back-injury-out-ucla-james-franklin-drew-allar-237457739/">Singleton missed the UCLA matchup</a> last Saturday due to an undisclosed injury issue after participating in pregame warmups. It was his first time being sidelined as a Nittany Lion after competing in the previous 30 contests since 2022 enrollment.Last week, Singleton did not practice Tuesday or Wednesday and was "limited" on Thursday and Friday, according to Franklin. Penn State opened USC preparation with an optimistic outlook."We're very confident," Franklin said <a href="https://247sports.com/college/penn-state/article/watch-franklins-usc-week-presser-singleton-news-travel-plans-more-237618823/">during his Monday press conference</a>. "I think Nick is very confident, (from) talking to him on Sunday, that he'll be ready to go."That trajectory remains on track based on our 15 minutes of Wednesday practice observations. Singleton led running back lines, working in resistance speed drills, receiving drills and collision drills that required him to drop his shoulder and burst through a blocking sled.With Singleton absent against UCLA, longtime co-starter <a href="https://247sports.com/Player/kaytron-allen-46079018/">Kaytron Allen</a> reached 50 snaps for the first time and tied a personal high with 21 carries, though he was well below his previous season average (5.5). Allen gained 78 yards (3.7 average) and scored a touchdown. Behind him, freshman <a href="https://247sports.com/Player/quinton-martin-jr-46115053/">Quinton Martin Jr.</a> saw his second game action, carrying once for one yard and adding three receptions for 18 yards."Obviously not having a guy like Nick Singleton is significant," Franklin said last Saturday. "But it was a tremendous opportunity for Kaytron to get a few more touches. It was also a great opportunity to get Quinton in there. Really, really good opportunity for those two guys, and I think overall we handled it well."The Nittany Lions' longest run against UCLA went for 11 yards (Allen). Singleton averaged nearly eight yards per carry through four contests, including three 40-plus yard pickups, and secured a reception of at least 13 yards in each game. While working together, <a href="https://247sports.com/college/penn-state/article/penn-state-running-backs-nick-singleton-kaytron-allen-best-tandem-college-football-illinois-game-237138627/">Allen and Singleton have been an elite tandem</a>."We're going to rely on them every game throughout the year," Allar said. "They're going to help us set the tone each game."Individually, their production doesn't place either among the country's premier statistical producers. Collectively, Allen and Singleton account for nearly 180 rushing yards per game when each is involved."(They're) the two most consistent guys that are playing together," Seider said. "We can combine their stats and say, 'That's one guy.' You know what I mean? ... There's no drop off. And pick your poison — who you want to defend on each moment of the play?"On the season, Singleton has gained 408 rushing yards (7.7 average) with three touchdowns and an additional two receiving scores. He is averaging more than 100 rushing yards in the last five regular-season games.<a href="https://247sports.com/college/penn-state/longformarticle/no-4-penn-state-at-usc-expert-score-predictions-from-lions247-237642658/">No. 4 Penn State plays visits USC</a> for a 3:30 p.m. ET showdown Saturday. The Nittany Lions aim to reach their second bye of the season at 6-0.SAVE MONEY ON LIONS247 VIP: 30% OFF AN ANNUAL PASS!</div></body>

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Penn State star running back Nick Singleton continues to progress toward game return at USC

Penn State football coach James Franklin expressed confidence Monday that running back Nick Singleton will be available to play Saturday at USC. Our lone look at Nittany Lions practice action this week was also encouraging, as the star playmaker was a full participant during a Wednesday viewing window. \"Looking forward...

Penn State football coach James Franklin expressed confidence Monday that running back Nick Singleton will be available to play Saturday at USC. Our lone look at Nittany Lions practice action this week was also encouraging, as the star playmaker was a full participant during a Wednesday viewing window. "Looking forward...

Penn State star running back Nick Singleton continues to progress toward game return at USC

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