BTN: "Barkley, league’s top Heisman contender, could be primed for a 2,000-yard season"

[Judge Smails]

http://btn.com/2017/07/18/dienhart-predicting-1000-yard-big-ten-rushers/

Dienhart: Predicting 1,000-yard Big Ten rushers
By Tom Dienhart, BTN.com Senior Writer, 22 hours ago

This could be the “Year of the Running Back” in the Big Ten, with many big-time options doting rosters across the conference. And no back is better than Penn State’s Saquon Barkley, who is the league’s top Heisman contender and could be primed for a 2,000-yard season.

Saquon Barkley, Penn State. The junior is on path to join an illustrious fraternity of all-time great Nittany Lion backs that includes the likes of Franco Harris, Blair Thomas, D.J. Dozier, Curtis Enis, Ki-Jana Carter and Larry Johnson, among others. In fact, Barkley may be the top back in the nation and could rush for over 2,000 yards in 2017 after totaling 1,496 last season—the most ever by a PSU sophomore. Barkley will work behind a line that has four starters and finally appears to be a strength. And dynamic QB Trace McSorley will keep defenses from focusing on Barkley.

 

[BBrown]

http://btn.com/2017/07/18/dienhart-predicting-1000-yard-big-ten-rushers/

Dienhart: Predicting 1,000-yard Big Ten rushers
By Tom Dienhart, BTN.com Senior Writer, 22 hours ago

This could be the “Year of the Running Back” in the Big Ten, with many big-time options doting rosters across the conference. And no back is better than Penn State’s Saquon Barkley, who is the league’s top Heisman contender and could be primed for a 2,000-yard season.

Saquon Barkley, Penn State. The junior is on path to join an illustrious fraternity of all-time great Nittany Lion backs that includes the likes of Franco Harris, Blair Thomas, D.J. Dozier, Curtis Enis, Ki-Jana Carter and Larry Johnson, among others. In fact, Barkley may be the top back in the nation and could rush for over 2,000 yards in 2017 after totaling 1,496 last season—the most ever by a PSU sophomore. Barkley will work behind a line that has four starters and finally appears to be a strength. And dynamic QB Trace McSorley will keep defenses from focusing on Barkley.

It could happen, I personally don't think it will.
This is not a 1 or even 2 person dimension offense. There are too many playmakers at other positions that will have to be accounted for. Not to mention some really good RB's that will get time as well. I'm hoping Barkely is on the bench by the 4th quarter getting some rest after racking up about a 150-225 total yards per game.

 

[Judge Smails]

It could happen, I personally don't think it will.
This is not a 1 or even 2 person dimension offense. There are too many playmakers at other positions that will have to be accounted for. Not to mention some really good RB's that will get time as well. I'm hoping Barkely is on the bench by the 4th quarter getting some rest after racking up about a 150-225 total yards per game.

I see your thought process, but it is a goal of Franklin to get Barkley 2k. If he stays healthy, it will happen imo.

 

[LionJim]

I see your thought process, but it is a goal of Franklin to get Barkley 2k. If he stays healthy, it will happen imo.

Has CJF said as much? Me, I really want Sanders to get a whole bunch of carries this year and if 2000 is a goal for Barkley, then it's not going to happen.

 

[Lionguy32]

It's not going to happen. Defenses will put the extra man up to stop the run and our offense is going to kill them will the pass instead.

 

[PSU_is_Alumni_Students_NotBOT]

I see your thought process, but it is a goal of Franklin to get Barkley 2k. If he stays healthy, it will happen imo.

Really depends on how defenses choose "to play" JoMo's RPO-Attack. Personally, I think they will continue to attempt to make TM beat them with the correct pre- and post-snap reads. If defenses continue to "sell out" to stop the run, I do think you will see SB ring up quite a few receiving yards as he did in the latter-half of last season. A lot of people don't pay attention to it, but Barkley had 28 receptions for 402 yards (that's roughly 14.5 per reception) and caught 4 TD passes.....almost all of those receiving numbers came in the latter half of the season when TM really started to synthesize JoMo's RPO-Attack! The "quality" of those numbers is just insane and shows what a threat SB is matched up "man-on-man in space" (or perhaps I should say "mismatched" 1-on-1 in space....).

 

[HughHalligan]

He could go for 2k this year, and still give carries to the other rb's.

Bust 3 or 4 long ones, get 200 by halftime, and sit out the second half.

 

[NittanyLionRoar]

Our offense is designed to take advantage of what the defense is giving us. Barkley won't get 2,000 yards--not because teams are stopping him--but rather, because teams will focus a lot of their defensive plays on accounting for him, leaving other spots all over the field open. Add to that, he is a very selfless player and if he has to be a decoy much of the time, he will be okay with that and even play it up because the team's success matters most to him.

 

[bdgan]

http://btn.com/2017/07/18/dienhart-predicting-1000-yard-big-ten-rushers/

Dienhart: Predicting 1,000-yard Big Ten rushers
By Tom Dienhart, BTN.com Senior Writer, 22 hours ago

This could be the “Year of the Running Back” in the Big Ten, with many big-time options doting rosters across the conference. And no back is better than Penn State’s Saquon Barkley, who is the league’s top Heisman contender and could be primed for a 2,000-yard season.

Saquon Barkley, Penn State. The junior is on path to join an illustrious fraternity of all-time great Nittany Lion backs that includes the likes of Franco Harris, Blair Thomas, D.J. Dozier, Curtis Enis, Ki-Jana Carter and Larry Johnson, among others. In fact, Barkley may be the top back in the nation and could rush for over 2,000 yards in 2017 after totaling 1,496 last season—the most ever by a PSU sophomore. Barkley will work behind a line that has four starters and finally appears to be a strength. And dynamic QB Trace McSorley will keep defenses from focusing on Barkley.

It's possible if the OL develops and remains healthy. Will Mahon & Nelson be back to full strength?

How many negative yards did Barkley have last year when he was met in the backfield immediately after the handoff?

Also remember that Barkley had an extra game last year. Will PSU make it back to the B1G title game?

I'm thinking 1,700 yards with Sanders getting more touches. A lot will depend on where PSU is in the BiG race and if Barkley is still in the Heisman hunt in the second half of October. I think CJF will give Barkley a lot of carries if he is still a leading Heisman contender.

 

[BobPSU92]

If McSorley can complete the majority of those 50/50 jump-ball, luck throws downfield with his pop-gun arm ( ), it will prevent defenses from stacking the box. That plus a deep and improved offensive line and McSorley's running ability will give Barkley loads of daylight. Of course, he doesn't need much to go the distance.

 

[PSU_is_Alumni_Students_NotBOT]

If McSorley can complete the majority of those 50/50 jump-ball, luck throws downfield with his pop-gun arm ( ), it will prevent defenses from stacking the box. That plus a deep and improved offensive line and McSorley's running ability will give Barkley loads of daylight. Of course, he doesn't need much to go the distance.

Don't disagree with this at all, I think most defenses will set up initially to stop PSU from establishing the run - if TM makes the correct RPO-Attack reads, this will lead to too many big downfield plays and force defenses "to soften up" in the box. IOW, if PSU can consistently "set up the run with a successful RPO-Attack passing game driven by TM's decision-making / play-making ability", PSU can counter with a running attack that could ring up huge yardage against a defense they have on their heels. If TM is as successful as he was last year, especially in the 2nd half of the year after the Minny game, SB will also be extremely successful as PSU's running game will be the "counter-punch" to a defense scrambling to make adjustments....

 

[tboyer]

2000 all-purpose yards seems more likely to me. I think PSU is going to be throwing to the backs more.

 

[PSU_is_Alumni_Students_NotBOT]

If McSorley can complete the majority of those 50/50 jump-ball, luck throws downfield with his pop-gun arm ( ), it will prevent defenses from stacking the box. That plus a deep and improved offensive line and McSorley's running ability will give Barkley loads of daylight. Of course, he doesn't need much to go the distance.

Also agree that the way to breakdown a Defense aimed at preventing a team from establishing a running game (i.e., a "press defense" with man coverage on eligible receivers and "the box" loaded with "max run-support") is not to keep bashing at "the wall". The most effective offense against this type of Defense is one that has no preference in regards to running or passing and can use either to "set-up" the other one (i.e., they can use the effectiveness of the passing-option to "set-up" the run, or vice versa, use the effectiveness of the run-option to "set-up" the pass).

When teams "load the box" with max run-support and cover eligible receivers man-on-man to prevent the other team from establishing a consistent inside running-game, the "give-up" is the extreme edges (i.e., "the flanks") and downfield 1-on-1 mismatches. Attempting to hammer between the "TE-to-T Box" of the LOS with a power-running game is merely playing directly into the Defense's designed strength, so it is rather silly to prescribe a dedicated "running game" as an effective strategy to break-down such a defense. I like JoMo's RPO-Attack because it is not a "run first" or "pass first" offense -- it's a take what the defense is giving you via alignment and EXECUTE CONSISTENTLY.....this forces the Defense to make adjustments to what they are doing and then you "counter-punch" with the other "half" of the RPO-Attack that can be run from the identical "play alignments".

 

[ChiTownLion]

How does Saquon maintain such elite speed with those massive tree trunks?

 

[Rip_E_2_Joe_PA]

It could happen, I personally don't think it will.
This is not a 1 or even 2 person dimension offense. There are too many playmakers at other positions that will have to be accounted for. Not to mention some really good RB's that will get time as well. I'm hoping Barkely is on the bench by the 4th quarter getting some rest after racking up about a 150-225 total yards per game.

On the contrary
The more diverse the offense the longer his runs will be.....

 

[BBrown]

On the contrary
The more diverse the offense the longer his runs will be.....

Thats a good point too.
I said in a thread last week that I thought maybe his rush numbers would be down but his YPC numbers would increase.
I think he was around 5.5 ypc last year. I wouldn't be surprised to see that go to 6.5 this year.
That same thinking holds true for all the wr's and te's as well. over all catches maybe down, since they will be spread out among so many playmakers, but their stats are going to be eye popping.

 

[PSU95alum]

He will have 1,000+ yards rushing by the first 5 games.

 

[LionJim]

He will have 1,000+ yards rushing by the first 5 games.

Well, if nothing else, it's going to be interesting and a whole lot of fun.

 

[Jerademan74]

http://btn.com/2017/07/18/dienhart-predicting-1000-yard-big-ten-rushers/

Dienhart: Predicting 1,000-yard Big Ten rushers
By Tom Dienhart, BTN.com Senior Writer, 22 hours ago

This could be the “Year of the Running Back” in the Big Ten, with many big-time options doting rosters across the conference. And no back is better than Penn State’s Saquon Barkley, who is the league’s top Heisman contender and could be primed for a 2,000-yard season.

Saquon Barkley, Penn State. The junior is on path to join an illustrious fraternity of all-time great Nittany Lion backs that includes the likes of Franco Harris, Blair Thomas, D.J. Dozier, Curtis Enis, Ki-Jana Carter and Larry Johnson, among others. In fact, Barkley may be the top back in the nation and could rush for over 2,000 yards in 2017 after totaling 1,496 last season—the most ever by a PSU sophomore. Barkley will work behind a line that has four starters and finally appears to be a strength. And dynamic QB Trace McSorley will keep defenses from focusing on Barkley.

Although I do think that Barkley will break all kinds of Penn State records for a RB this season, it is doubtful he will run for 2,000 yards. There are too many RBs on the roster who will get their share of carrying the rock. This shouldn't prevent Barkley from winning the Heisman, as he does so many things that will impress all the voters. Saquon's only real risk of not winning it will be the probable split votes he gets from Trace McSorley's success. Even with that, I am predicting Penn State's 2nd Heisman Trophy winner at the end of this season.....Saquon Barkley!!!

 

[NittanyLionRoar]

He will have 1,000+ yards rushing by the first 5 games.

200 yards per game? I doubt that. I bet he gets around 100 yards in the first half of some of those games and is taken out in the second half. He also benefited, statistically, from the slow team starts last year and played most of all of the games because of it. There will be less slow starts this year.

 

[PSU95alum]

200 yards per game? I doubt that. I bet he gets around 100 yards in the first half of some of those games and is taken out in the second half. He also benefited, statistically, from the slow team starts last year and played most of all of the games because of it. There will be less slow starts this year.

Look at the schedule....very doable. Just say'n...

 

[NittanyLionRoar]

Look at the schedule....very doable. Just say'n...

Oh yeah that's why I said what I said. It's almost too doable. We'll robably see him leave several games early as they keep him healthy and fresh for the tough stretch.

 

[LafayetteBear]

He's a constant threat to bust off a 50-plus yard run. Imagine how easy it will be for him to pile up yardage against the weaker teams on the schedule.

 

[Rip_E_2_Joe_PA]

200 yards per game? I doubt that. I bet he gets around 100 yards in the first half of some of those games and is taken out in the second half. He also benefited, statistically, from the slow team starts last year and played most of all of the games because of it. There will be less slow starts this year.

Oh... it's 1940 and we are playing 9 game seasons, and a bowl game. Probably wearing leather helmets, too.

With the regular season and a bowl game it takes <154 ypg to break 2000 yds
if PSU plays in the B1G championship it takes <143 ypg. More than doable....if healthy the whole season....probable.

 

[NittanyLionRoar]

Oh... it's 1940 and we are playing 9 game seasons, and a bowl game. Probably wearing leather helmets, too.

With the regular season and a bowl game it takes <154 ypg to break 2000 yds
if PSU plays in the B1G championship it takes <143 ypg. More than doable....if healthy the whole season....probable.

Oh don't get me wrong...2,000 is definitely doable for him, especially behind a good line. I'm saying that I think his big yardage games come in the later part of the season when we need him to win us some games. There's no reason to keep running him in blowouts early in the season and risk injury just for stats. However, even in the later portion of the season, if teams are selling out to stop him, we'll just pass it. I think the most likely outcome is a really balanced offense with two 1,000 yard receivers (gesicki and blacknall?) and 1,700 for Saquon.

 

[Rip_E_2_Joe_PA]

Oh don't get me wrong...2,000 is definitely doable for him, especially behind a good line. I'm saying that I think his big yardage games come in the later part of the season when we need him to win us some games. There's no reason to keep running him in blowouts early in the season and risk injury just for stats. However, even in the later portion of the season, if teams are selling out to stop him, we'll just pass it. I think the most likely outcome is a really balanced offense with two 1,000 yard receivers (gesicki and blacknall?) and 1,700 for Saquon.

I think that the offensive weapons are so diverse and that SB will have more space to work in..... I think it tops 1000 in his first 5 games while setting out parts of 3 and 4th qtrs, If he stays healthy. Time will tell.

 

[NittanyLionRoar]

I think that the offensive weapons are so diverse and that SB will have more space to work in..... I think it tops 1000 in his first 5 games while setting out parts of 3 and 4th qtrs, If he stays healthy. Time will tell.

That certainly would be legendary!

 

[Rip_E_2_Joe_PA]

Legendary....ya....that works.

 

[Cowbell Man]

It could happen, I personally don't think it will.
This is not a 1 or even 2 person dimension offense. There are too many playmakers at other positions that will have to be accounted for. Not to mention some really good RB's that will get time as well. I'm hoping Barkely is on the bench by the 4th quarter getting some rest after racking up about a 150-225 total yards per game.

You don't think he will but your numbers pretty much add up to a 2000 yard season before the bowl game. Your hope range is 1800-2700 in 12 games.

He's gonna get there.

 

[Rip_E_2_Joe_PA]

Two long runs and 5 short ones per game the first 5 games are not out of the question. lol

 

[BBrown]

You don't think he will but your numbers pretty much add up to a 2000 yard season before the bowl game. Your hope range is 1800-2700 in 12 games.

He's gonna get there.

Sorry for the confusion my numbers 150-225 a game was for total yardage and I will admit I'm probably on the low end.
I think the article was 2,000 yards rushing alone.
JMO but I think the offense is too diversified and we have too many play makers at WR, TE and other RB's that would be
getting the ball more.
He had 1898.00 total yards for last season and avg. 5.5 per carry. I'm betting he can increase that per carry number to 6-6.5

 

[Judge Smails]

When you are talking raising the program's profile with recruits, a Heisman trophy winner does that. For years. You see the pictures of recruits holding a heisman trophy on their visit? It helps. I have no doubt it is a program goal to get Barkley the Heisman this year. Behind winning the Big Ten, an MNC, and other team goals. But absolutely a goal.

 

[LionJim]

When you are talking raising the program's profile with recruits, a Heisman trophy winner does that. For years. You see the pictures of recruits holding a heisman trophy on their visit? It helps. I have no doubt it is a program goal to get Barkley the Heisman this year. Behind winning the Big Ten, an MNC, and other team goals. But absolutely a goal.

I can see that.

 

[Raffycorn]

When you are talking raising the program's profile with recruits, a Heisman trophy winner does that. For years. You see the pictures of recruits holding a heisman trophy on their visit? It helps. I have no doubt it is a program goal to get Barkley the Heisman this year. Behind winning the Big Ten, an MNC, and other team goals. But absolutely a goal.

Absolutely. Aside from a national title, a Heisman winner is probably the biggest thing you can do to create exposure for your program in terms of recruiting. I'd even argue that a Heisman gives you more of a boost than a playoff berth with a loss in the semifinal.

 

[PSU_is_Alumni_Students_NotBOT]

Oh don't get me wrong...2,000 is definitely doable for him, especially behind a good line. I'm saying that I think his big yardage games come in the later part of the season when we need him to win us some games. There's no reason to keep running him in blowouts early in the season and risk injury just for stats. However, even in the later portion of the season, if teams are selling out to stop him, we'll just pass it. I think the most likely outcome is a really balanced offense with two 1,000 yard receivers (gesicki and blacknall?) and 1,700 for Saquon.

I think you can make a very legit argument that, if TM is extremely effective "softening up" defenses who start the game dedicated to "stopping the run" with an effective and consistent passing portion of the RPO-Attack, this will allow PSU to "counter-punch" with SB when the D makes adjustments (i.e., softens up because man coverage giving up too many yards) with more open space to run in such that his YPC number goes up significantly. SB could crack 2,000 yards without carrying the ball more often if his YPC average simply goes up by 30% or so..... SB could crack 2,000 - it is doable, but I don't think JoMo really cares whether he gets his yards via the ground or through the air and PSU was using SB's receiving skills against isolated man-coverage more-&-more as the season progressed.

 

[Judge Smails]

This year's offensive line SHOULD....repeat....SHOULD be substantially better than we've seen at Penn State for years. I'm hoping that a talented, veteran offensive line that should average about 320 pounds per man will be able to impose their will on a defense and have to rely much less on deception, misdirection, etc. That Wisconsin offensive line is just able to line up against a team that knows a run is coming and grind out 7 yards because F#CK YOU, you can't stop us.

 

[Ranger Dan]

This year's offensive line SHOULD....repeat....SHOULD be substantially better than we've seen at Penn State for years. I'm hoping that a talented, veteran offensive line that should average about 320 pounds per man will be able to impose their will on a defense and have to rely much less on deception, misdirection, etc. That Wisconsin offensive line is just able to line up against a team that knows a run is coming and grind out 7 yards because F#CK YOU, you can't stop us.

The big difference is that if someone is hurt or underperforming, we aren't stuck with just one or two options to replace them...

 

[BBrown]

The big difference is that if someone is hurt or underperforming, we aren't stuck with just one or two options to replace them...

Yea but just think of where we were even 2 years ago, heck even last year the line was constant shuffling.
I don't think we will have to worry about "underperforming" I'm with the Judge on this and think this will be the best OL since either '05 or '08 with more potential. I like our personal that much and I think Limgrover is very good and very underrated.