COLUMBUS — Penn State running back Saquon Barkley is not eligible for the National Football League’s draft until 2018 at the earliest. But six games into Barkley’s sophomore season, Ohio State coach Urban Meyer has seen enough to declare the focal point of Penn State’s offense a “first-rounder.” Fresh off the best game of his career, the standout running back is first in the Big Ten in rushing touchdowns and first on Ohio State’s mind entering Saturday night’s game in University Park, Pa. Likely the best back in the Big Ten — and by some measures, the country — Barkley has the Buckeyes’ full attention. Meyer said he isn’t expecting Ohio State to completely shut down Barkley, but the deffense needs to limit his damage. “That’s No. 1 on the hit parade as far as Penn State,” Meyer said. “To stop them — you won’t stop him — but minimize the impact the running back has on us.” Barkley surged for 202 yards and 31 carries — both career highs — in Penn State’s most recent game, a 38-14 rout of Maryland on Oct. 8. According to Pro Football Focus’ metrics, Barkley was the most elusive running back in the…
Continue Reading: Barkley clearly is in Ohio State’s sights
