College Football: 5 reasons Penn State wins 2017 National Championship

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 03: Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin holds the Championship trophy during the Big 10 Championship game between the Penn State Nittany Lions and Wisconsin Badgers on December 3, 2016, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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PASADENA, CA – JANUARY 02: Running back Saquon Barkley of the Penn State Nittany Lions carries the ball against defensive back Adoree’ Jackson #2 of the USC Trojans in the second half of the 2017 Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual at the Rose Bowl on January 2, 2017 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images) /

1. Saquon Barkley

For the first time in what seems like an eternity, Penn State has a player on the Heisman watch list.

While LSU’s Derrius Guice may be a more talented runner, it’s Saquon Barkley’s abilities in the passing game that make him the best overall back in the nation for the time being. And he’s steadily improving. Over his two years at Penn State, Barkley has racked up 563 receiving yards and five touchdowns. His 48 receptions and elusiveness make him a legitimate threat in the passing game. However, it’s Barkley’s ground attack that make him one of the most lethal playmakers in the country.

Following a quiet 1,000-yard campaign in 2015, Barkley burst onto the scene in 2016. With success comes fame, as Barkley quickly found out. As a sophomore, Barkley helped lead the Nittany Lions to an 11-3 season. He emerged as one of the most explosive running backs in the nation. Barkley tallied nearly 1,500 yards and 18 touchdowns. He rushed for 200 yards in a single game twice during the season and performed extremely well in big games.

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Ultimately, Barkley is set up for success again in 2017. While defenses will game plan to stop Barkley on the ground, his ability in the passing game makes him difficult to contain. Additionally, the Nittany Lions return star quarterback Trace McSorley, who is being watched for the Heisman Trophy as well. Penn State’s offense will be able to compete with the best of them. McSorley’s presence will take some weight off Barkley’s shoulders and let him be creative out of the backfield.

Don’t be surprised if you see Barkley in New York City on Heisman weekend or when Penn State is unveiled as a College Football Playoff team.

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