Penn State RB Kaytron Allen is hitting his stride.
Two weeks ago against Indiana, Allen rushed for 81 yards on 18 carries, good for a 4.5 yards per carry average.
This past Saturday at Maryland was possibly Allen’s best game of the season.
He went for 91 yards on just 14 carries, scoring a touchdown in Penn State’s 51-15 win in College Park.
Allen has been a quality college football running back almost from Day 1, rushing for 867 yards, 10 touchdowns and averaging more than five yards per carry as a true freshman last season.
Through the first seven games of Year 2, Allen wasn’t quite matching that pace. But after the Indiana and Maryland games, Allen’s YPC is up to 4.8.
This Saturday against Michigan could be Allen’s type of game. The 5-foot-11, 222-pounder is known for his physical running style, and Michigan has college football’s No. 1 total defense.
Allen’s coach is pleased with the way he’s following up what was a fantastic freshman year.
“He’s been playing really well now,” James Franklin told reporters after Wednesday’s practice. “I think he really built on what he did last year. He is a tough guy. Every run, he’s usually breaking tackles, punishing tacklers, carrying guys for another two or three yards. Is really, really playing well.”
Franklin mentioned that Penn State feels toughness is one of the key ingredients for its success, and feels Allen’s been a big part of that.
“I think he’s one of the guys that does a phenomenal job of kind of setting that tone for our whole team,” he said. Fires up the sideline, fires up the offensive line, and he’s having a really good year.”
Franklin feels Allen has the respect of Big Ten opponents due to his success and his running style.
He has the chance to gain even more respect Saturday against No. 3 Michigan.
