Penn State Football: 2017 position grades vs Ohio State
Running Backs
It’s another one of those, “can’t blame it all on Saquon games”. He made plays when he had creases and even when he didn’t. It’s a tough grade to hand out, because he’s easily the best player on the field and did what he could. He just didn’t have the blocking necessary to move the ball.
The added attention to Barkley didn’t open up much else, so his afternoon doesn’t get higher marks. Furthermore, he sometimes hurt the team with his never-say-die attitude. Barkley tried to change field on numerous occasions and it almost cost the Nittany Lions points. His Barry Sanders-esque running style has created big-time touchdowns, but he’s got to know when to let a play go.
In total, he touched ball 25 times and compiled 67 scrimmage yards and one touchdown. Of those touches, he rushed the ball just 21 times for 44 yards. It wasn’t his ideal game, but he’ll no doubt be back.