Penn State Football: 2017 position grades vs Rutgers

STATE COLLEGE, PA - NOVEMBER 11: Mike Gesicki
STATE COLLEGE, PA - NOVEMBER 11: Mike Gesicki /
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STATE COLLEGE, PA – NOVEMBER 11: Trace McSorley #9 hands off to Saquon Barkley #26 of the Penn State Nittany Lions against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Beaver Stadium on November 11, 2017 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

Running Backs

Anyone else feeling deja vu when they watch Penn State football’s running game? The best back in the game can’t get any help. Saquon Barkley can do anything for this team except block for himself up front. The struggles up front might be costing Barkley his chances at the Heisman, as he rushed for just 35 yards on 14 carries.

Barkley was swarmed under so many times that it’s unfair to give him anything below a B. When he got space, he made some plays and even rushed for two touchdowns, but the majority of the time he had little space. Barkley also had one reception for 20 yards on a hook-and-ladder play just outside the red zone.

It’s tough to know the best player in the game won’t get the highest honor in the game, but his production doesn’t mirror his meaning to Penn State football. Once again, he forced defensive attention his way and that opened up other players like his quarterback on the ground.

Grade: B