Kaytron Allen started at running back last week for Penn State for the first time this season. Against a top-5 team in Ohio State.

Talk about a trial by fire.

For all intents and purposes, Allen did well for himself. The freshman running back totaled 76 yards and a touchdown against a solid Ohio State defensive line. On Thursday, running backs coach Ja’Juan Seider explained why Allen got the starting nod over Nick Singleton.

Allen was outshined by Singleton preseason as just the “other” freshman running back on the team alongside Singleton. As it turns out, both freshman running backs can give any team they face 100 yards and a few scores if they are up to it.

That’s something not many other teams in the country can say, much less from a pair of freshmen. Allen and Penn State are back in action in Week 10 against Indiana.