Penn State Football: Lions Position Grades versus Iowa
Running Backs
A program record for all-purpose deserves a perfect grade. Saquon Barkley was perfect. He touched the ball 40 times for 358 total yards (211 rushing, 94 receiving and 53 return) and still showed the explosion and shiftiness that defenders can’t decode.
There’s no better player in the Big Ten and maybe even the nation. Even with his unreal ground ability, his receiving and blocking are just as refined. He caught 12 passes throughout the game and made McSorley’s job easier. Pass blocking-wise, he picked up blitzes and showed off the entire package.
He was most of the offense on Saturday and deserves most of the credit in the win. Just for the absurd stat of the day, Barkley averages 7.8 yards per carry on 66 carries this year. In addition, he’s got 853 scrimmage yards in four games. I’ll say it time and again, he’s the best in the country.
Andre Robinson and Miles Sanders added some nice relief carries as well. The duo combined for 6 touches for 31 yards.