Singleton now has Heisman odds; Eli Manning tries out for Lions

ALTOONA, Pa. -- Nicholas Singleton is off to the best start ever for a running back in his Penn State career -- yes, even better than Saquon Barkley -- and already is pulling in major accolades.

Singleton was named Big Ten Freshman of the Week for the second straight week on Monday after rushing for 124 yards and two TDs in the Nittany Lions' 41-12 thumping of Auburn on the road. He leads the nation in yards per carry (11.1).

And as of Monday, Singleton's name now can be found among players listed with Heisman Trophy odds.

FanDuel has Singleton listed at +25000 for the Heisman, a huge number that would indicate the freshman has virtually no chance to win the award. Still, his name is now listed, which is amazing in itself given that he's played all of three career games.

For comparison, sixth-year senior Sean Clifford, who has played in about 243 college games (LOL) also is listed at +25000 in the Heisman odds. Wide receiver Parker Washington has the best odds of any Penn State player at +20000. Drew Allar also is at +25000, entering the field after last week's win over Ohio.

Playing the "what if" game, say Singleton keeps piling up yardage and proving to be one of the most explosive running backs in the country, his Heisman odds definitely would increase. Probably not to the point where he would be anywhere near the favorites, but then again, who knows?

With odds of +25000, a $1 bet on Singleton would win $250.

A $10 bet would win $2500.

It might be throwing money away, some would say, but that gigantic odds number is intriguing, nonetheless, for a star young player who will be given every opportunity to keep making big plays all season.

Such as this one below, Singleton's 54-yard touchdown run at Auburn. It came one week after he had TD runs of 70 and 44 yards against Ohio.

Singleton rushed for 31 yards at Purdue, 179 against Ohio and 124 against Auburn, giving him 334 yards on 30 carries. He ranks 16th in the country in rushing and also has scored four times.

By comparison, Barkley began his Penn State career in 2015 with 1 yard against Temple, 115 against Buffalo and 195 against Rutgers, for a total of 311 yards. He had three touchdowns.

"Nick definitely took a huge step today," Clifford said after the Auburn win. "He did it last week (against Ohio); I thought it was impressive. But to do it on on a big stage like this, a lot of people have been talking about him, and I think that he's he's coming around."

As for other Heisman Trophy odds, these are the frontrunners, according to FanDuel:

* CJ Stroud, Ohio State: +200
* Caleb Williams, USC: +300
* Bryce Young, Alabama: +500
* Dillon Gabriel, Oklahoma: +1600
* Stetson Bennett IV, Georgia: +2000

MUST-SEE TV

Eli Manning took part in an awesome undercover experiment last month as he donned a disguise and took part in a Penn State tryout for walk-ons. Calling himself Chad Powers, Manning took part in a tryout inside Holuba Hall.

The two-time Super Bowl champion quarterback filmed a segment below for Eli's Places. It is a hoot, and something Penn State fans are surely to enjoy.

You can watch the shortened segment through the tweet below. Or you can watch the entire Eli's Places video in the YouTube video below.

BROWN HONORED

Penn State had another Big Ten award winner Monday as safety Ji'Ayir Brown was named the conference's Defensive Player of the Week.

Brown was a big part of the Lions' outstanding defensive effort by intercepting one pass, forcing a fumble and finishing with five tackles (four solo). Brown tied for the national lead last year with six interceptions, and this one was his first of the season.