- With the nation watching in primetime, Penn State RB Saquon Barkley posted a 97.9 overall PFF game grade against Iowa, dominating both on the ground and as a receiver. Barkley finished with 211 yards on 28 carries and 94 yards on 12 catches. He forced 12 missed tackles on those 28 carries and tacked on another three as a receiver, with many of the forced misses of the highlight-reel variety.
- The debate rages on about the value of running backs at the next level, but Barkley’s three-down versatility makes him a potential top-10 pick in next year’s draft. He currently leads all running backs with a receiving grade of 94.8 this season while also leading the way with 335 receiving yards.
- Barkley is a big-play threat any time he touches the ball as he can make defenders miss or simply outrun them with his speed. Last season, he ranked third among draft-eligible running backs with 9.8 percent of his runs going for explosive (15-plus yard) plays and he’s improved that numbers this season as 15.1 percent of his runs have gone for 15-plus. Expect the Heisman discussion to heat up with Barkley sitting at the top, and his NFL draft stock is rising in parallel.
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