Fansided

Saquon Barkley torches Ohio State on the opening kickoff

By Jack Crosby

UNIVERSITY PARK, PA - SEPTEMBER 30: Saquon Barkley #26 of the Penn State Nittany Lions runs with the ball prior to throwing a touchdown pass during the second half against the Indiana Hoosiers on September 30, 2017 at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pennsylvania. Penn State defeats Indiana 45-14. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
UNIVERSITY PARK, PA - SEPTEMBER 30: Saquon Barkley #26 of the Penn State Nittany Lions runs with the ball prior to throwing a touchdown pass during the second half against the Indiana Hoosiers on September 30, 2017 at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pennsylvania. Penn State defeats Indiana 45-14. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /
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It didn’t take long for Saquon Barkley to let Ohio State know that it’s not wise to test him

The marquee game of the day on Saturday is, without question, the No. 2 Penn State Nittany Lions taking on the No. 6 Ohio State Buckeyes in Columbus. This is a matchup that will more than likely decide who gets the nod in the Big Ten East this season, and right off the bat, Heisman frontrunner Saquon Barkley showed the Buckeyes that he did not make the trip to Columbus to mess around.

No, really, Barkley wasted no time whatsoever. Penn State received the opening kickoff and Barkley went back deep for the kick. Everyone knew that it would not be wise for Urban Meyer to kick to the most electrifying player in the nation, but you know, he’s always up for a challenge.

Ohio State did kick to Barkley, and he proceeded to make him pay for it.

With many in the country predicting Ohio State to come away with the win at home, it was crucial for Penn State to make a statement early in this one to show they won’t go down easy, while at the same time reminding the Buckeyes who the Big Ten Champions are in the process. Well, Barkley got that statement across loud and clear with this insane return to start the game.

Now, it’ll be interesting the rest of the way to see how Ohio State responds to being punched in the mouth like that. While many on back on their hype train, some have also pointed out they haven’t exactly played top-notch competition during this winning streak they’ve been on.

Either way, it was amazing to see Barkley add yet another highlight to the reel they’ll run when he wins the Heisman in December.

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