After a one-game absence due to an undisclosed injury, Penn State running back Nicholas Singleton is expected to return this Saturday against Southern California.

“We’re very, very confident, and I think Nick’s very confident, talking to him Sunday, that he’ll be ready to go,” Penn State coach James Franklin told reporters Monday.

Franklin said Singleton was “very close” to playing for the now-No. 4 Nittany Lions last Saturday against UCLA. Without him, they still won 27-11, with running back Kaytron Allen carrying the load (21 rushes, 78 yards, one TD).

Singleton has gained 408 rushing yards (102 per game) with three touchdowns on 53 carries this year, adding six catches for 74 yards and two more touchdowns.

In three seasons at Penn State, Singleton has appeared in 30 games and rushed for 2,221 yards and 23 touchdowns. He’s also caught 43 passes for 467 yards and five scores.