Penn State vs. Illinois Position Grades

Oct 31, 2015; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Saquon Barkley (26) leaps over Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back V’Angelo Bentley (2) during the fourth quarter at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Running Backs: 

True freshman running back Saquon Barkley continued to impress on Saturday. Although he failed to eclipse 100 yards for the second-straight week, he still provided some highlight moments and played a key role in the victory.

Barkley ran the ball 20 times for 84 yards and scored on a fantastic seven-yard run. Though it was a short run, Barkley didn’t fail to provide a highlight-reel moment, hurdling over Illini defenders to get over the goal line.

The playmaking ability of Barkley also makes him dangerous in the passing game out of the backfield. That was evident against the Illini, as he caught three passes for 58 yards.

Barkley is a threat to break a big play every time he touches the ball. He’s a big part of the Penn State offense and was an important player against the Illini without putting up huge stats.

This grade would be higher had he at least gone over 100 yards, but the 58 receiving yards provide a nice bonus.

Grade: B+