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Heisman Watch 2017: Week 2

By Cody Williams

PASADENA, CA - SEPTEMBER 03: Josh Rosen #3 of the UCLA Bruins runs upfield during the second half of a game against the Texas A&M Aggies at the Rose Bowl on September 3, 2017 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA - SEPTEMBER 03: Josh Rosen #3 of the UCLA Bruins runs upfield during the second half of a game against the Texas A&M Aggies at the Rose Bowl on September 3, 2017 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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Penn State running back Saquon Barkley (26) picks up yardage against Akron at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pa., on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2017. The host Nittany Lions won, 52-0, as Barkley rushed for 172 yards and two scores. (Abby Drey/Centre Daily Times/TNS via Getty Images)
Penn State running back Saquon Barkley (26) picks up yardage against Akron at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pa., on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2017. The host Nittany Lions won, 52-0, as Barkley rushed for 172 yards and two scores. (Abby Drey/Centre Daily Times/TNS via Getty Images) /

Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State

No one in their right mind was questioning the talent of Penn State Nittany Lions running back Saquon Barkley coming into the season. With that being said, he made sure to remind everyone quickly of just how talented he is with the dominant performance he put forth against the Akron Zips in Week 1.

Playing limited time in a blowout victory for the Nittany Lions, the junior ball-carrier amassed 172 yards and two touchdown on only 14 carries. Just to make his totals gaudier, he put up 54 receiving yards on his three catches for the day as well. The competition will surely increase in difficulty moving forward, but that’s still one hell of a day for the dynamic, explosive back.

Speaking of harder competition, Barkley and Penn State should get that in Week 2 as they take on the Pittsburgh Panthers. Granted, Pitt didn’t look great at all in their opener, but this is still a rivalry game and anything can happen. With relatively high stakes, Barkley should be looking for a big game to bury his rivals.

Given what we saw in Week 1, that also shouldn’t be much of a challenge for him. As great as he was a year ago, he seems to be even more polished this season. More or less, he’s a powder keg ready to explode on any defense that dares to try and stop him from ripping off big chunks of yardage.

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