Penn State Football: 2017 Fiesta Bowl Position Grades

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 30: Tight end Mike Gesicki #88 of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates with fans after defeating the Washington Huskies in the Playstation Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 30, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Nittany Lions defeated the Huskies 35-28. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

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GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 30: Running back Saquon Barkley #26 of the Penn State Nittany Lions rushes the football against the Washington Huskies during the second half of the Playstation Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 30, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Nittany Lions defeated the Huskies 35-28. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Running Backs

Saquon Barkley’s Penn State football swan song played out exactly how the senior deserved. When he took over as the starting running back, the team was pedestrian at best. He left them a contender. Barkley made the machine go against Washington rushing for 137 yards and two touchdowns. He also caught seven passes for 38 yards.

The complete package at running back scored both his touchdowns during the 28-7 run putting the Lions just out of reaching distance. On his final touchdown run, he gave the fans one final angle-shattering touchdown run on his 92-yard scamper and it was the perfect way to send him out.

Lastly, he passed the torch onto his successor. The much-hyped, Miles Sanders, rushed for a touchdown and again showed that he can take over for Barkley. There’s nothing to worry about in future years. Sanders has it under control.

Grade: A

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