By Nate Bauer

Junior running back Nicholas Singleton, Penn State’s leading rusher entering its game Saturday against UCLA, did not start and did not play. It was his first missed game as a collegiate player.

Despite warming up, Singleton spent the first Penn State possession behind running backs coach Ja’Juan Seider holding his helmet. From then on, he maintained his place on the sideline while shedding any pretense of participation.

Coach James Franklin said Singleton’s status was uncertain until just before kickoff.

“I thought we would have him Thursday, I thought we’d have him Friday, I thought we’d have him today,” Franklin said. “I didn’t find out until after warm-up. Ja’Juan and [head athletic trainer] Andy Mutnan came into the locker room and told me. So, literally, it was a last-minute deal.”

Nick Singleton misses first game at Penn State

Detailed by Blue White Illustrated on Wednesday, though, the reason for his absence could be seen on film the weekend prior. Within it, the running back can be seen sustaining apparent bumps and bruises during the Nittany Lions’ 21-7 win over Illinois.

From the original story: 

“Carrying the ball for a final time at the 10:18 mark in the fourth quarter, his Penn State offense working to expand upon its 14-7 lead at the time, Singleton appeared to be rolled up on during a second-and-10 carry that went for three yards.

“Exiting the field, Allen came in for the ensuing third-and-7 play, rushing for three yards leading into a failed field goal attempt. Allen then returned for the Nittany Lions’ final touchdown possession of the game at the 5:50 mark in the fourth quarter, though Singleton reappeared for a play at the 4:34 mark with black athletic tape on his left foot.”

Bumps and bruises lead to absence

Saturday afternoon, Blue White Illustrated learned that the same issue was at hand in the decision to not play. Singleton came out of pregame warmups experiencing soreness, and the last-minute move demanded a change of course for the Nittany Lions.

“Obviously, not having a guy like Nick Singleton is significant,” Franklin said. “But it was a tremendous opportunity for Kaytron to get a few more touches. And it was also a great opportunity to get Quinton [Martin in the game]. Really, really good opportunity for those two guys, and I think overall we handled it well.”

Allen finished with 78 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries. His backfield mate, the true freshman Martin, had 1 yard on his lone carry to go along with 3 receptions for 18 yards. 

Adjusting to Singleton’s absence, quarterback Drew Allar commended Allen and Martin for their performances while acknowledging the need to quickly change gears.

“I just went out there and Kaytron was out there,” Allar said. “I figured once he wasn’t out there that he wasn’t going to be out there. But I thought Q did a great job of stepping up in his time today. He did a really good job. For us, obviously, we love to have Nick out there, but I think Q did a great job of stepping up when his number was called.”

Blue White Illustrated has learned that Singleton is expected to play next weekend when the Nittany Lions travel to Los Angeles to face Southern Cal. 

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