Heisman Trophy Watch 2017: A new contender rises in Week 5

Saquon Barkley opened up Saturday’s game against Indiana with a Heisman-worthy moment, streaking 98 yards on the opening kickoff to put Penn State up immediately. On a day when the Hoosiers sold out to stop Barkley on the ground, he found other ways to make an impact as the Nittany Lions ran away with their fifth straight win.

Indiana succeeded at its primary goal, holding Barkley to just 56 yards on 20 carries. Barkley did not manage a single run of 10 or more yards on the day. He did add 51 yards on four receptions to finish with over 100 yards from scrimmage, but in general it was a relatively quiet day from a running back known for gaudy performances.

Even then, Barkley still finished with over 200 all-purpose yards against the Hoosiers to remain first in the nation in that category. He is averaging 243 yards per game on an average of two dozen touches. While Barkley has become the focus of every defense he faces, he continues to find new ways of breaking opponents’ spirits.

The defending Big Ten champions have plans to return to Indianapolis this season and lock up the College Football Playoff spot they were denied last year. Barkley needs to continue his versatile assault on the stat sheet to keep the Nittany Lions in position to realize those goals.