Heisman Watch: Saquon Barkley makes most of opportunities before Penn State's big tests

Saquon Barkley is finally finished with the opening act, the warm-up of this season.

We knew the three-game non-conference competition wasn't going to be daunting for Penn State. And because of it, Barkley received fewer opportunities.

Why waste the energy of your most important player now? Big workloads will be needed later, probably starting Saturday night in Iowa City.

But here's the thing: Barkley continues to do everything possible with his stunning combination of strength and speed, finding a new way to amaze each week.

Against Georgia State he caught a short pass with a head of steam and shoulder-faked a couple of defenders before blowing past them while tight-roping the sideline.

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He then stepped on the gas, showing straight-ahead acceleration like maybe never before on the 85-yard touchdown.

His true stake in this chase begins this week on the road against a team he embarrassed last season.

Here's how I see the Heisman race after Week 3 ...  

1. Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma, quarterback: (last week, 1) He followed up his most important performance with a career-best four touchdown passes in torching Tulane. His completion rate was a bit off (17-of-27) but still a fine effort with 331 passing yards. He has yet to throw an interception this season.

2. Saquon Barkley, Penn State, tailback: (last week, 3) The rushing numbers still aren't there because of a light workload and some offensive line issues. But this award should be about signature moments and team impact. So he nearly broke the opening kickoff for a touchdown before delivering that highlight catch-and-run — the third-longest pass play in school history. No running room? No problem. He piled up 142 receiving yards. He's making the most of what's been given.

3. Mason Rudolph, Oklahoma State, quarterback: (last week, 5) He dominated the Pitt Panthers in ways Penn State could not. Yet another surgical performance and early day to the bench, this time on the road. If numbers are your truest gauge for this award, he should be your leader. He beat the Panthers on 23-of-32 passing for or 497 yards, five touchdowns and one interception in less than three quarters.

4. Sam Darnold, USC, quarterback: (last week, 4) No one is better in crunch time, his heroics at the end to beat Texas highlighting the most promising future. His interception total is still too, though even some of those aren't his fault, coming on tipped passes. He went 28-of 49 passing for 397 yards and three touchdowns in the saving victory at home.

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​​​​​5. Lamar Jackson, Louisville, quarterback: (last week, 2) His biggest test of the season — his opportunity to prove he's deserving of repeating as the Heisman winner — came up far short vs. Clemson. Sure, he must overcome an inferior supporting cast. But to repeat, Jackson needs to carry his team better in these match-ups, fair or not.

6. Josh Rosen, UCLA, quarterback: (last week, 6) The Comeback Kid was equally brilliant and maddening, but most telling for this week were his mistakes. His two interceptions were knives in the back and a final bad decision all but wiped out another stunning finish. Hard to waste 463 passing yards and four touchdowns.

7. Jake Browning, Washington, quarterback: (last week, 7) Like Barkley, the most telling tests are still ahead. He made quick work of Fresno State, completing nearly all of his throws (19 of 22) for 255 yards and four touchdowns. A road trip to Colorado is next. 

8. Trace McSorley, Penn State, quarterback: (last week, 9) His best day so far, looking more like the big-play leader and astute decision-maker from last season. He was comfortable and accurate with 18-of-23 passing for 309 yards and four TDs.

9. Jalen Hurts, Alabama, quarterback: (last week, 10) The most complete effort so far with 103 rushing yards and accurate enough passing to let his top-grade receivers do most of the work. He threw for 248 yards and two long touchdowns.

10. Royce Freeman, Oregon, tailback: (last week, unranked) The 240-pounder has run for at least 150 yards in each of his first three games with nine touchdowns. He added a 50-yard reception in crushing Wyoming on the road. 

Dropped out: Derrius Guice, LSU, tailback