Penn State Football: 3 takeaways from blowout win over Maryland

3 of 3

COLLEGE PARK, MD – NOVEMBER 25: Running back Saquon Barkley #26 of the Penn State Nittany Lions is tackled by linebacker Isaiah Davis #22 of the Maryland Terrapins in the first quarter at Capital One Field on November 25, 2017 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

1. Saquon Barkley’s might not be the top running back in the nation

OK, so this may have been true a few weeks ago, but Saquon Barkley has to be officially out of the Heisman Trophy discussion but he also may not be the best running back in the nation. He has struggled behind the offensive line, but he’s also looked much better in the first half of the season.

Heck, we were all talking about Barkley as a lock for the Heisman when the season began, but that clearly didn’t come to fruition. It was just assumed that he was the top running back in the country, but players like Bryce Love, Josh Adams and Royce Freeman have had unbelievable seasons.

Barkley might still be the best pro prospect based on potential and the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield as well as run downhill with speed and make guys miss. He has great hands out of the backfield and may very well be the first running back chosen in 2018, but it’s not based on performance this season.

Next: NFL Mock Draft 2018: First round after Week 12

The junior running back had a mediocre game to end the year, under his standards, rushing for 77 yards and two touchdowns and catching one pass for four yards.

Home/Maryland Terrapins