Heisman Trophy Watch 2017: Several big contenders fall in Week 9

Things started splendidly for Saquon Barkley as he looked to put in a Heisman-worthy performance against Ohio State. The Buckeyes opted to kick off to the multipurpose threat to start the game, and Barkley made them pay with a 97-yard touchdown on his first touch of the Big Ten East showdown.

He also busted off a 36-yard scamper for a rushing score early in the second quarter, as Penn State built up a big lead before halftime against the Buckeyes. Otherwise, though, Ohio State’s defense did a great job of keeping the Heisman hopeful in check in Columbus. Aside from the touchdown run, Barkley finished the day with only eight rushing yards on his other 20 carries of the game.

Barkley also caught four passes, but mustered only 23 yards through the air. The end result was a day where he finished with 172 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns, hardly numbers to scoff at for any player. But when you eliminate the touchdown return and the rushing score, Barkley finished with just 37 total yards on 25 touches.

That, combined with the painful loss that set Penn State back in its goal of repeating as Big Ten champion, was enough to send Barkley three spots down the Heisman Watch this week. He remains among the favorites to win the award this year, but Barkley is no longer THE favorite to hoist the trophy on the second weekend of December.