Penn State Football: Position Grades versus Indiana Hoosiers

UNIVERSITY PARK, PA - SEPTEMBER 30: DaeSean Hamilton #5 of the Penn State Nittany Lions crosses the goal line on a touchdown pass thrown by Saquon Barkley #26 (not pictured) during the fourth quarter against the Indiana Hoosiers on September 30, 2017 at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pennsylvania. Penn State defeats Indiana 45-14. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /

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UNIVERSITY PARK, PA – SEPTEMBER 30: Saquon Barkley #26 of the Penn State Nittany Lions carries the ball as he is brought down short of the goal line by Tegray Scales #8 of the Indiana Hoosiers during the first half on September 30, 2017 at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /

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.

Grade: B

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