Top 5 Rushing Performances of the 2016-2017 Bowl Season

2 of 6

Jan 2, 2017; Pasadena, CA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs against USC Trojans defensive back Adoree’ Jackson (2) during the third quarter of the 2017 Rose Bowl game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

One of the best rushing performances of the 2016-2017 postseason was also one of the last. Under cloudy skies in Pasadena, Penn State running back Saquon Barkley racked up almost 200 yards against USC. Though the Nittany Lions ultimately fell by three points to the Trojans, Barkley’s big game was a big reason why the Big Ten champions nearly came close in a 52-49 thriller at the Rose Bowl.

Barkley ended the game with 194 rushing yards on 25 carries. His first touchdown came a few minutes into the second quarter, putting Penn State on the scoreboard at a time when they were down 13-0. His second touchdown, a 79-yard romp that gave the Nittany Lions their first lead of the game, showcased Barkley’s cutting ability to its fullest:

Dodging defenders left and right, Barkley put his team up by a point with the biggest run by either team all game. And while this particular list takes into account only rushing stats, Barkley also added five catches for 55 yards and another touchdown. In one of the biggest games of the season, Barkley proved up to the challenge against a strong Trojans defense.

Home/College Football News