Saquon Barkley pads Heisman resume with electric touchdown
![UNIVERSITY PARK, PA - SEPTEMBER 02: Saquon Barkley UNIVERSITY PARK, PA - SEPTEMBER 02: Saquon Barkley](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/827873a22fa59cb797dbcd681523f5b5a84fee83d79db8fc51cc5298cfb9ba84.jpg)
Saquon Barkley opened the game with a terrific highlight reel play
Saquon Barkley made himself a household name during the Rose Bowl against USC last season. He’s as close to a complete back you will ever find in college football, and Barkley has thrown himself not just into the Heisman discussion but also in number one overall pick talk.
Barkley and the #3 Penn State Nittany Lions returned home after a walk-off touchdown pass from Trace McSorley against Iowa. With a special buzz in the air at Beaver Stadium, the Indiana Hoosiers won the coin toss and deferred to the home team.
Bad decision.
Barkley took the opening kick-off to the house with a fantastic run, featuring his power, burst, and speed en route to the opening score.
This man's just from another planet.
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) September 30, 2017
Saquon Barkley's encore after last week's performance? A 98-yard TD return ON THE OPENING KICK: pic.twitter.com/OfpOTrZNA4
To add insult to injury for Indiana the Nittany Lions followed up the kick-off return touchdown with a forced fumble on the next drive. McSorley would take the ball in for a touchdown, putting Penn State up 14-0 in the opening minutes.
Barkley also added nine rushing yards in the short field leading up to McSorley’s carry.
On the ensuing drive, the Hoosiers fumbled the kick-off return, which was immediately picked up by Nick Scott for a touchdown. Penn State went up 21-0 in the early minutes of the first quarter.
Next: 2018 Mock Draft: Saquon Barkley sours to the top
It’s undeniable the Nittany Lions are prepared to make a playoff push after being snubbed last year by the college football playoff committee. Shutting out two of their first four opponents and leading Indiana 21-0 with five minutes left in the first quarter Penn State is built to win on both sides of the ball.