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Penn State Football: Saquon Barkley adds to Heisman resume

By Collin Wieder

STATE COLLEGE, PA - OCTOBER 21: Saquon Barkley #26 of the Penn State Nittany Lions runs after making a catch in the first half against Khaleke Hudson #7 and Noah Furbush #59 of the Michigan Wolverines on October 21, 2017 at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
STATE COLLEGE, PA - OCTOBER 21: Saquon Barkley #26 of the Penn State Nittany Lions runs after making a catch in the first half against Khaleke Hudson #7 and Noah Furbush #59 of the Michigan Wolverines on October 21, 2017 at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /
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There’s no limit to what Saquon Barkley can do. Last night, he helped Penn State football advance its playoff hopes while aiding his Heisman campaign.

Just when college football fans had seen enough Heisman moments from Saquon Barkley, he added to the list Saturday night. The incomparable Penn State football Heisman candidate compiled 161 scrimmage yards on just 18 touches and recorded three total touchdowns (2 rushing, 1 receiving).

He started the night fast with two touchdown runs in the first five minutes of the game. Barkley showed off his wildcat quarterback skills faking a handoff to McSorley and flying through the line for a 69-yard TD less than one minute into the contest.

A few minutes later he went back to his normal spot at running back. McSorley rolled right pitched to Barkley, and he did the rest going 15 yards for a second score.

After a quality night on offense, Barkley dazzled the Nittany Lion faithful with one final touchdown to bookend an award-worthy performance. He torched a Michigan corner and McSorley laid the perfect pass into his bread basket. After bobbling it for a moment, he hauled it in for a 42-yard, nail-in-the-coffin score.

At this point, it’s impossible to define or put into words how much Barkley means to Penn State. He picked up some much-improved help in recent years. But even with that, there’s a reason for so much hype.

He’s recorded 1,205 scrimmage yards and 11 touchdowns all while averaging more than eight yards a play. There’s no greater player in college football right now. His skills are compared to NFL legends and current stars, because he truly can do it all.

Heading into Columbus next weekend, they’ll need a similar performance. He didn’t even put on the full showcase, and that’s the best part. The Nittany Lions needed a Herculean effort from him against Iowa and that’s what they could use the rest of the way.

Must Read: Penn State Football: Trace McSorley, Saquon Barkley lead Nittany Lions over Michigan

His season so far proves that he’s the best player in the country. With the way he’s played his entire career, there’s no reason to expect him not to compete closely for the Heisman the rest of the way.

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