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Penn State Football: four things I want to see against Northwestern

By Nick Kreiser

Sep 24, 2022; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin gestures from the sidelines during the fourth quarter against the Central Michigan Chippewas at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Central Michigan 33-14. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 24, 2022; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin gestures from the sidelines during the fourth quarter against the Central Michigan Chippewas at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Central Michigan 33-14. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports /
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STATE COLLEGE, PA – SEPTEMBER 24: Running back Kaytron Allen #13 of the Penn State Nittany Lions carries the ball as defensive back Jayden Davis #29 of the Central Michigan Chippewas attempts a tackle during the second half at Beaver Stadium on September 24, 2022 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
STATE COLLEGE, PA – SEPTEMBER 24: Running back Kaytron Allen #13 of the Penn State Nittany Lions carries the ball as defensive back Jayden Davis #29 of the Central Michigan Chippewas attempts a tackle during the second half at Beaver Stadium on September 24, 2022 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

 Stick with the hot hand at running back

One thing that stuck out to me in the Central Michigan game was the coaching staff’s willingness to stick with the hot hand at running back.

It was clear early on that Nick Singleton just did not have it that day, but Kaytron Allen did. As a result, they stuck Allen; and it paid off as he had his first career 100-yard rushing game and also added a touchdown enroute to earning Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors.

At this point, Singleton seems to be the home run hitter, and Allen is the steadier of the two and the better down to down back. In fact, according to the Lions247 Podcast, Kaytron Allen has yet to be stopped for a loss so far through four games. He has gotten 36 carries through those four contests.

This doesn’t just go for the Northwestern matchup, but if it’s a day where Singleton just doesn’t seem like he’ll be able to get much going, I’d like to see the staff feed Allen as he seems like the better option to regularly pick up positive chunks of yardage.

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