Why RB Noah Cain ‘definitely’ expects to play in the Cotton Bowl for the Penn State Nittany Lions
Penn State running back Noah Cain “definitely” expects to play Saturday — especially after waiting on this opportunity every day for the last two months.
“I’m ready. I’ve been ready to go,” Cain said Thursday afternoon during media availability at AT&T Stadium. “I’m excited to play. I’m ready.”
Cain has amassed just a single carry since suffering an unspecified lower-leg injury against Michigan State on Oct. 26, when his teammates were forced to carry him off the field after the final whistle. He was in the midst of a promising campaign before that injury, making his first career start against the Spartans — just two weeks after a 102-yard rushing effort against a stingy Iowa defense.
Since that injury, his only touch came Nov. 23 against Ohio State for 1 yard. Cain said he’s been cleared to go since that matchup, but both James Franklin and RB coach Ja’Juan Seider felt it would be in the best interest of his career to take more time off.
“I’m not going to sit here and pretend there weren’t tough days or days I wish I could play,” Cain said. “And I went to talk to the coaches and told them I want to play and get in the game. But at the same time, though, everybody’s plan isn’t on the time they want it to be.”
Franklin often said during that time that Cain could’ve played if Penn State needed. But with three other capable backs, there was no immediate need to push Cain before he was 100%.
Cain didn’t answer directly Thursday when asked if he felt 100%. But he repeated, at several points, that he was absolutely preparing to play in Saturday’s Cotton Bowl against Memphis.
“Definitely,” he said. “I’m really anxious to play. I’m ready to go. I’m really excited, so I can’t wait.”
Cain flashed plenty early in the season. Against Pitt, Cain saw just a single possession. But, during that 88-yard scoring drive, he picked up 40 rushing yards and 13 receiving yards before scoring what proved to be the game-winning touchdown. Against Purdue, Cain carried eight times in the final quarter for 82 yards. And, against Iowa, he became just the second back this season to reach the 100-yard milestone. (Wisconsin’s Jonathan Taylor was the other.)
The 5-foot-10, 206-pound bruiser appeared to be headed toward a starting job and maybe even a spot on an all-freshman team. Then it all vanished, with one quick injury.
As a self-proclaimed “religious” man, Cain said he regularly read the Bible while he was hurt — often turning to Mark 4:22, which served as a reminder that he could only control the controllables — and he tried to perform extra stretches, and take his time at the training room, to get better.
“When I had time to sit back and reflect, having the time I was out for, you definitely don’t take any game for granted,” he said. “Every game is a blessing to go play, so I’m very anxious to play. So this Saturday means a lot for me; I’m ready to go back out there and showcase my skill.”
Cain developed a quick reputation for grinding out 4-5 yards every carry. He wasn’t the fastest back on the roster — that would be Journey Brown — and he wasn’t the most elusive, which would likely be Devyn Ford. But he became a fast fan favorite for constantly dragging defenders an extra yard or two and being the most consistent playmaker in an inconsistent offense.
And now he wants to show fans: He’s only just getting started.
“People haven’t really seen me take over a game yet,” Cain added. “I feel like that’s something I can do — and people haven’t really seen it. Yet.”
This story was originally published December 27, 2019 at 12:26 PM.
