Penn State vs. Michigan Position Grades

Nov 21, 2015; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs with the ball during the first quarter against the Michigan Wolverines at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren- USA TODAY Sports

Running Backs:

The first carry for Saquon Barkley went for 56 yards and tied his longest run of the season.  The other 14 carries of the day for him went for a total of 12 yards.  That’s just not going to cut it.

I’ll be critical of Barkley for probably the first time this season.  Yes not all of it was his fault.  Poor line play as always and Michigan was keying in on him after the big play.  However, he needs to learn how to take whatever he can get and stop dancing around in the backfield all the time trying to make something happen.  I think in time he’ll learn that because after all, he’s just a freshman.

No carries for another running back in this one.  Akeel Lynch was in for a couple plays but didn’t get a carry.  I think the coaching staff relies too much on Barkley and they really should change it up once in a while.

Grade:  D+

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