Singleton’s status remains uncertain as Penn State heads to USC

UNIVERSITY PARK (Nittany Nation) The status of Penn State running back Nick Singleton remains up in the air ahead of Penn State’s road trip to USC.

He was scratched in Saturday’s win from UCLA for undisclosed reasons. Head coach James Franklin said then that he was informed right before the game. Monday, during the coach’s weekly media address, Franklin reiterated his comments.

“He wasn’t 100 percent, but again, we thought he was going to go,” Franklin said.

Rumors have swirled around Singleton’s absence. James Franklin’s lack of transparency hasn’t connected many dots, but his comments insinuate that the running back is hurt.

Franklin said Monday that Singleton missed practice Tuesday and Wednesday last week, and was limited on Thursday and Friday. Franklin said he’s hopeful he’s ready to go this weekend.

“As long as we don’t have any setbacks this week, I would anticipate him going and I also would anticipate him practicing Tuesday and Wednesday,” Franklin said, “But we’ll see how this whole thing plays out. We’re very confident, and I think Nick’s very confident, talking to him on Sunday, that that he’ll be ready to go on Saturday.”

This season Singleton has rushed for 408 yards and three touchdowns. He’s averaging 7.7 yards per carry. Without him Saturday, Penn State’s rushing attack was limited against UCLA. Kaytron Allen rushed for 78 yards and a touchdown as Penn State was held to a season-low 86 yards on the ground.

Penn State’s rushing attack will be important at USC on Saturday. The Trojans surrender 4.96 yards per carry and allow 158.6 yards per game, the second most given up in the Big Ten.

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