Fansided

Big Ten Championship Game: 5 most important players

By Brad Weiss

Oct 1, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs the ball into the end zone for a touchdown in overtime against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Minnesota 29-26 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O
Oct 1, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs the ball into the end zone for a touchdown in overtime against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Minnesota 29-26 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O /
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Nov 5, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs with the ball as Iowa Hawkeyes defensive lineman Faith Ekakitie (56) defends during the third quarter at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Iowa 41-14. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs with the ball as Iowa Hawkeyes defensive lineman Faith Ekakitie (56) defends during the third quarter at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Iowa 41-14. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /

3. RB Saquon Barkley, Penn State

The Penn State Nittany Lions community held their breathe last week against Michigan State, as star running back Saquon Barkley had to leave the game due to injury. He did not return to the game, mostly because the team was throttling the Spartans, but he is still battling to get 100 percent healthy. The injury was to his ankle, and if he is not fully healthy by Saturday night, it could get very interesting for Penn State.

The good money is on the fact that Barkley is going to be ready to go, as he is Penn State football. The sophomore running back was recently named the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year, as well as the Back of the Year. He recently said that going to Penn State was the best decision of his life, and on Saturday, he will get the chance to win one of the biggest games in the history of the program.

Nobody expected Penn State to be here, especially due to the fact they play in the same division as Michigan and Ohio State. Barkley is the heart and soul of the team, and he plays such a big role in everything they do on offense. Not only is he an incredible runner,  but he also does a nice job blocking when McSorley does his designed runs. A healthy Barkley gives the Nittany Lions a legitimate shot at winning this one, and the trainers are going to have him to roll in time for kickoff Saturday night.

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