Penn State Football: Position Grades versus Indiana Hoosiers
Running Backs
Don’t let his low numbers fool you, Saquon Barkley is still himself. After breaking out for a kickoff return touchdown, Barkley stayed mostly quiet on offense. He rushed 20 times and compiled a pedestrian 56 yards. Although his total is low, it’s tough to fault him. He had almost nowhere to run.
Most of his yardage came after contact. Along with that, Barkley helped out big time in the passing game with four catches for 51 yards even adding a 16-yard passing touchdown to Hamilton. His pass blocking continues to go unnoticed as well. Not to harp on a problem, but the struggles on the O-Line make him that much more important pass blocking-wise.
Barkley put more of the all-purpose part of his game on display Saturday. Hopefully, for the Penn State football’s sake, he can get some better running room in game six and continue his Heisman campaign.
Penn State football’s hopes at a repeat Big Ten title and national title appearance ride with Barkley. In game five, he proved it once again with his multi-purposed athleticism.