As Penn State was starting to pull away from Michigan State on Saturday to clinch the Big Ten East Division championship and a spot in this week’s Big Ten Championship Game, there was some growing concern over the status of star running back Saquon Barkley. Barkley says he will be ready to hit the ground running this weekend against Wisconsin in the Big Ten championship game in Indianapolis.
Penn State head coach James Franklin does not reveal much when it comes to injuries, but Barkley appeared to have some right ankle injury, although he jogged off the field on his own. Franklin seemed to think Barkley would be able to bounce back and be available this week, and Barkley echoed that sentiment during a conference call with reporters today.
"Yes, I do," Penn State RB Saquon Barkley says when asked if he plans to play this weekend.
— Greg Pickel (@GregPickel) November 28, 2016
Saquon Barkley says he expects to be able to play Saturday night in Big Ten title game. #PennState
— Rich Scarcella (@nittanyrich) November 28, 2016
Barkley was the Big Ten’s second-leading rusher this season with 1,219 yards and a Big Ten-leading 15 touchdown runs. Wisconsin has their own horse of a running back in Corey Clement. Clement has recently worked his way back from a mild injury and finished the regular season third in the Big Ten in rushing with 1,140 yards and third in the conference with 13 rushing touchdowns.