Penn State vs. Ohio State Position Grades

Oct 17, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Saquon Barkley (26) hurdles over Ohio State Buckeyes safety Tyvis Powell (23) as linebacker Dante Booker (33) and safety Vonn Bell (11) defend in the second quarter at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports

Running Backs:

Saquon Barkley returned Saturday night after sitting the last two games and he didn’t disappoint.  The true freshman has the complete vision on the field and so many moves.  There’s no question after that performance that he is the featured back moving forward.

Barkley finished the night with 26 carries for 194 yards and no touchdowns, although he had a score called back due to a needless hold by Brian Gaia.  He had several highlight-reel runs, including the one pictured above where he made his second hurdle of the year.  It’s exciting every time he’s on the field and he’s becoming one of my favorites on offense.

Akeel Lynch returned also and carried the ball four times for 12 yards.  I do feel bad for Lynch because this was supposed to be his year being a full time starter and now he’s been supplanted by a freshman.  I know he’s a team player and just wants to do everything he can to help the team, but it’s gotta hurt some for him.

Grade: A

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