Nov. 20, 2017
UNIVERSITY PARK, PA. - Junior running back Saquon Barkley (Coplay, Pa.) garnered Big Ten Co-Offensive Player of the Week for his performances against Nebraska. Barkley wins his sixth Big Ten weekly award of the season and fourth offensive honor of the season.
Barkley's six Player of the Week honors this season (four offensive, two special teams) are the most in a single season in Big Ten history (doesn't include Freshman of the Week). He has earned 10 conference honors (six offensive, two freshman, two special teams) in his career. Barkley's six career offensive weekly honors are tied for fifth in Big Ten history, while his four offensive honors this season are tied for second in conference annals and are the most by a player since Nebraska's Ameer Abdullah had four in 2014.
Barkley registered 158 rushing yards, 66 receiving yards for 224 all-purpose yards and a trio of running scores in the win over Nebraska to close out a perfect 7-0 record at Beaver Stadium. With the three rushing touchdowns, Barkley broke the 46-year-old Penn State career rushing touchdowns record of 38, set by Lydell Mitchell (1969-71). His 158 rushing yards boosted his senior total to 1,057 yards to make him just the second player in program history with three 1,000-yard seasons in his career, joining Evan Royster (2007-10). Barkley posted his 14th career 100-yard rushing game and his fourth career three-touchdown performance. With six catches against Nebraska, Barkley broke the Penn State season receptions record by a running back. His 46 catches top the previous mark of 41 set by Larry Johnson in 2002.
With his effort against the Huskers, Barkley became the 24th player in FBS since 2000 to have 1,000 rushing yards and 500 receiving yards in the same season. Barkley is just the second player in Penn State history with multiple 100-point seasons, joining Kevin Kelly (2005-08).
The No. 10-ranked Nittany Lions visit Maryland Saturday at 3:30 p.m. on Big Ten Network to close out the regular season. The game can also be heard on GoPSUsports.com and the Penn State Sports Network (airtime 2 p.m.).
Penn State season ticket renewals and Nittany Lion Club membership renewals also are underway for the 2018 campaign. The ticket invoice and Nittany Lion Club renewal deadline is Feb. 1, 2018. For information on joining the Nittany Lion Club and purchasing new 2017 season tickets, as well as club seating in Beaver Stadium, fans can visit www.PSUnrivaled.com, call 1-800-NITTANY weekdays from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. or visit the Bryce Jordan Center ticket office weekdays from 10 a.m-6 p.m.