Heisman Watch: Penn State's Saquon Barkley extends lead with Ohio State on deck

Saquon Barkley doesn't have to pile up astronomical rushing statistics to win Penn State's first Heisman Trophy in 44 years.

We clearly know that now.

Because he continually does things that transcend any of the metrics by which this award is usually judged.

Barely breaking 100 rushing yards again last Saturday night?

Doesn't matter when you take the second snap of the game, make a quick cut, then shotgun through space for a long touchdown against the nation's top-rated defense.

Barley any touches in the second half?

Doesn't matter when you break free on a pass route and then bobble the ball twice before somehow pulling it in for the 42-yard touchdown.

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The thing is, Heisman voters key in on Barkley, waiting for these moments. And he delivers weekly. Again, it's not so much what he does but how he does it — in ways most have not witnessed since generational tailbacks like Adrian Peterson and Barry Sanders.

For now he has stiff-armed his competitors to the ground.

Here's how I see the Heisman Trophy race after Week 8 ...  

1. Saquon Barkley, Penn State, running back: (last week, 1) We keep seeing how no one is more versatile, more explosive and seemingly has more fun doing it. Plus, he turns 1-yard losses into 5-yard gains more often than anyone with his jaw-dropping cuts, quickness and power. Now comes his most awaited test at Top 10 Ohio State where the critiques will be tough. Can anyone halt all of his possibilities for an entire game?

2. Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma, quarterback: (last week, 3) He passes the idle Bryce Love for now with his most heroic effort of the season. He picked up his lagging teammates again to throw for a season-high 410 yards in the comeback over Kansas State. He completed 32-of-41 passes and ran for a season-best 69 yards and two more TDs. The Sooners aren't as good as most expected, which makes Mayfield's performance even more impressive. 

3. Bryce Love, Stanford, running back: (last week, 2) A much-needed bye for the most productive pure runner in the nation. He should be re-charged to blast through a pretty bad Oregon State defense this coming week. Could he actually improve on his 10-yard-per-carry average? His marquee moments still await.

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4. Mason Rudolph, Oklahoma State, quarterback: (last week, 4) He holds this spot barely with an efficient but very unlikely effort for his explosive offense. An overtime defensive struggle over Texas? Rudolph was 25-of-38 passing for 282 yards. No touchdowns, no interceptions. A similar effort won't get it done against West Virginia.

5. Lamar Jackson, Louisville, quarterback: (last week, 7) Pick apart his lackluster supporting cast, the big losses or even his suspect passing game. No matter, he blew up wounded Florida State for 178 rushing yards and 156 passing yards, completing 13-of-21 throws. Those efforts at least keep last year's Heisman winner hanging on the fringe.

6. J.T. Barrett, Ohio State, quarterback: (last week, 5) He rested and prepared on the bye for his next big judgment against Penn State. Are his early-season issues truly fixed? This coming Saturday is make-or-break Heisman time for the senior.

7. Josh Adams, Notre Dame, tailback: (last week, unranked) He soars into the running with a prime time gashing of USC. The former Penn State recruit ran for 191 yards on just 19 carries, including his sixth run of 60 yards or longer this season. He's averaging more than 9 yards per carry for the surging Irish.

8. Trace McSorley, Penn State, quarterback: (last week, 8) Not your true Heisman darling because of Barkley's long shadow. But his value is still immense on the nation's No. 2 team. He always rights his struggles, like against Michigan's vaunted defense: 282 passing yards, 76 rushing yards, four total touchdowns. 

9. Jonathan Taylor, Wisconsin, running back: (last week, 6)  He continues to amaze for a freshman but seems a longshot to even get invited to New York City. He fumbled against Maryland before finishing with 126 yards, getting him to 1,000 on the season quicker than any Badger rookie.

10. Jalen Hurts, Alabama, quarterback: (last week, 9) Still the leader of the undefeated No. 1 powerhouse. His 13-of-21 passing day for 198 yards and a touchdown against sorry Tennessee keeps him in the conversation.

Dropped out: Rashaad Penny, San Diego State, tailback