The Nittany Lions are giving their all against Nebraska, even pieces of their helmets

Running backs Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen are showing exactly why they were the No. 1 rushing duo heading into the 2025 season.

Kaytron Allen makes history in first quarter against Nebraska

Before halftime against Nebraska, the two accumulated 123 yards on the field and helped drive Penn State into the end zone twice. On top of leaving over 100 yards combined so far, Singleton left a little extra with his helmet.

Nicholas Singleton helmet explosion doesn't stop him from scoring

Singleton took a direct snap on second-and-nine, and immediately shot out for a 14-yard gain. This put the Nittany Lions in the red zone, but that wasn't enough for him.

Driving forward head first, Singleton muscled his way through four yards to cross the plane and put Penn State's second touchdown on the board. As he collided with defensive back Rex Guthrie, Singleton's helmet faced the brunt of it. Chips of the right side of his helmet went flying in the air. Singleton didn't let that phase him, though, determined to finish the play.

This was the first of two touchdowns Singleton posted in the first half. He followed it up on the next drive, which started in prime field position after wide receiver Trebor Pena returned the 46-yard punt to the Nebraska 28-yard-line.

The drive took three plays, one which lost a yard. Singleton took over in the backfield and had a five-yard run accompanied by a 10-yard rushing touchdown.

Nicholas Singleton inches closer to top spot on Penn State all-time rushing touchdown list

This second score not only fired up Penn State, but put Singleton one touchdown closer in claiming the No. 1 spot on the Nittany Lions' all-time rushing touchdown list.

Running back Saquon Barkley previously held that spot with 43 touchdowns. After Singleton rushed for two in the first half on Saturday, the senior tied Barkley on that list. With the way both backs performed in the first half against the Cornhuskers, Singleton is on track to pushing Barkley down to second and reigning No. 1 on his lonesome.

"We go as they go, and they're going far," interim head coach Terry Smith said of Singleton and Allen before heading into the locker room at halftime. "We just got to finish the game. They've got a great first half, [but] it doesn't mean anything now. We got to come out of the second half, make adjustments, and keep running the football."