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Heisman Watch 2017, Week 9: It’s Saquon Barkley, then everyone else

ByCody Williams|
STATE COLLEGE, PA - OCTOBER 21: Penn State RB Saquon Barkley (26) celebrates after tipping a ball to himself and then making a touchdown catch, for his third touchdown of the game. The Penn State Nittany Lions defeated the Michigan Wolverines 42-13 on October 21, 2017 at Beaver Stadium in State College, PA. (Photo by Randy Litzinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
STATE COLLEGE, PA - OCTOBER 21: Penn State RB Saquon Barkley (26) celebrates after tipping a ball to himself and then making a touchdown catch, for his third touchdown of the game. The Penn State Nittany Lions defeated the Michigan Wolverines 42-13 on October 21, 2017 at Beaver Stadium in State College, PA. (Photo by Randy Litzinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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STATE COLLEGE, PA – OCTOBER 21: Penn State RB Saquon Barkley (26) celebrates after tipping a ball to himself and then making a touchdown catch, for his third touchdown of the game. The Penn State Nittany Lions defeated the Michigan Wolverines 42-13 on October 21, 2017 at Beaver Stadium in State College, PA. (Photo by Randy Litzinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
STATE COLLEGE, PA – OCTOBER 21: Penn State RB Saquon Barkley (26) celebrates after tipping a ball to himself and then making a touchdown catch, for his third touchdown of the game. The Penn State Nittany Lions defeated the Michigan Wolverines 42-13 on October 21, 2017 at Beaver Stadium in State College, PA. (Photo by Randy Litzinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

1. Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State

Doubt would be the most accurate way to describe the narrative surrounding Penn State running back Saquon Barkley entering Week 8 of the 2017 college football season. In his two previous games before being off in Week 7, the leading Heisman Trophy candidate hadn’t eclipsed 100 rushing yards in a game. What’s more, he hadn’t looked too great in terms of consistency, even with an explosive play here and there to help his day.

Thus, that put him on path to a collision with the vaunted Michigan defense and a proverbial proving ground for the running back. Show that you can dominate one of the best defenses in the country, and the Heisman Trophy will be yours (at least for now). That’s exactly what Barkley did, and he didn’t waste any time either.

Barkley took his first carry of the marquee matchup to the house from 69 yards out. After a big defensive stop, he took his third carry to the end zone as well with a 15-yard run. Admittedly, he was relatively quiet for much of the night, but he still finished with over 100 rushing yards and over 50 receiving yards as he set the tone in a dominant rout of a rival.

Next: Heisman Busts: 15 Heisman Trophy Winners Who Flopped

The tests will keep coming for Penn State and Barkley as they face Ohio State in Week 9 and then Michigan State. However, even with that, the running back has proven he’s ready to answer the call.

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