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Penn State Football: 5 reasons Trace McSorley could win the 2017 Heisman Trophy

By Collin Wieder

Oct 22, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Trace McSorley (9) throws a pass during a warmup prior to the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Ohio State 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 22, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Trace McSorley (9) throws a pass during a warmup prior to the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Ohio State 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-USA TODAY Sports /
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January 2, 2017; Pasadena, CA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs the ball in for a touchdown against the Southern California Trojans defense during the second half of the 2017 Rose Bowl game at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
January 2, 2017; Pasadena, CA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs the ball in for a touchdown against the Southern California Trojans defense during the second half of the 2017 Rose Bowl game at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Saquon Barkley

Speaking of Heisman Trophy candidates, Saquon Barkley was on the radar for the illustrious award long before McSorley was. He’s the most exciting running back in college football. He can cut, and then accelerate to full speed almost instantly. He’s got great hands and provides a perfect backfield compliment for Penn State and McSorley.

Defensive coordinators fear his game-breaking speed so much that they’ll stack the box and allow the Nittany Lions to throw. With Hackenberg, it was easy stack the box and pressure the quarterback, because he can’t scramble. With McSorley, if you shoot up field he’ll make you pay.

Furthermore, the zone read became deadly because of the tandem. If you key on Barkley, McSorley’s 4.5 40-yard dash speed will kill you. If you key on McSorley, Barkley will slash you for chunk gains or even a back-breaking touchdown.

An underrated skill for Barkley is his hands. He’s recorded 48 catches in his first two years for 563 yards and five touchdowns. If he gets out on a flare route or a wheel, he can make a man miss and go for a score.

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