Heisman Trophy Watch 2017: An old favorite reemerges after Week 4
By Zach Bigalke
Saquon Barkley opened the year at the top of the Heisman Trophy Watch with a dominant showing against Akron. He slipped down the rankings over the following weeks as he failed to reach 100 rushing yards against Pittsburgh and Georgia State. But Penn State found other ways to get Barkley touches, and one of the most electric players in the country now ranks atop the national leaderboards in all-purpose yardage.
In the narrow trap game victory over Iowa on Saturday evening, Barkley was able to churn out heavy yardage against the Hawkeyes. The tailback finished with 211 rushing yards and a touchdown on 28 carries in Kinnick Stadium. But he also continued to do damage in other ways as well. Barkley was once again Trace McSorley‘s favorite target, hauling in 12 receptions for 94 yards in the air. He also returned three kickoffs for 53 yards.
It all added up to 358 all-purpose yards on the day. In the process, Barkley boosted his average production to over 250 yards per game after the first third of the regular season. At this moment he is the most versatile and most complete offensive weapon in the country.
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After another complete game, Barkley tops this week’s Heisman Watch as we approach the final weekend of September.