Penn State Football: 5 bold predictions for the 2017 season
By Zach Bigalke
2. But Saquon Barkley will not win Heisman Trophy
As previously mentioned, Saquon Barkley is going to lead most statistical categories among running backs. But the junior will encounter a Sisyphean situation as he tries to become Penn State’s second Heisman Trophy winner in school history. Part of that will come down to a deep field of contenders. It will also in part be due to the success of Barkley’s own teammate.
Only two of the top-10 players in last year’s Heisman voting return to college this year. Lamar Jackson will try to become just the second player after Archie Griffin to win the award in back-to-back years. The other player, Washington quarterback Jake Browning, is also back to try to return the Huskies to the College Football Playoff.
Barkley could also face a challenge from Penn State quarterback Trace McSorley. Last year, as a redshirt sophomore, McSorley threw for over 3,600 yards and 29 touchdowns. McSorley is in position to improve his completion rate over 60 percent this season and could reach 4,000 passing yards and 30-plus touchdowns in the air.
Between the challenges from without and the challenges from within, the vote will be split this season. Barkley will finish in the top three in voting, but will miss out on joining John Cappelletti as Penn State’s second Heisman winner.