Heisman Trophy Watch 2017: Chaotic weekend scrambles Week 7 order

Saquon Barkley got to take a well-deserved rest in Week 7. The Penn State Nittany Lions watched the chaos swirl all around them as they bumped up to No. 2 in the AP Top 25 released on Sunday. Barkley will also hold onto his spot at No. 2 in the Heisman Watch this week despite being sidelined on an open date.

Even without playing this weekend, Barkley remains atop the national lists for all-purpose yardage. The Nittany Lions star averages 217 yards per game as he contributes on both offense and special teams. He has done a little bit of everything for the defending Big Ten champions throughout this 2017 campaign.

Barkley has amassed 649 rushing yards and six scores despite the fact that every defense so far has stacked the box in an effort to contain his speed. He has added 29 receptions for 395 yards and two touchdowns in the passing game, providing a valuable safety valve for Trace McSorley and a capability to turn screens into big gains. Barkley also has a 16-yard halfback pass for a touchdown and a 99-yard kickoff return to boast as well.

There are plenty of opportunities for Barkley to build his Heisman credentials further. Coming out of the bye week, the Nittany Lions face Michigan, Ohio State, and Michigan State over the next three weeks.