Cabinda and Barkley Earn Big Ten Player of the Week Honors

Congratulations to Nittany Lions running back Saquon Barkley and linebacker Jason Cabinda, who were named Big Ten Players of the Week for their performances against Michigan.

Barkley, the Offensive Player of the Week, wins his eighth career conference honor (five offensive, two freshman, one special teams). This offensive award marks Barkley’s third of the season, and he also earned a Special Teams Player of the Week award earlier this year.

In this weekend's win over the Michigan Wolverines, Barkley recorded 176 all purpose yards and three touchdowns. On Saturday, he rushed 15 times for 108 yards and two touchdowns while catching three passes for 53 yards and a score.

Barkley also became the first Penn State Nittany Lion and fourth Big Ten player with 3,000 rushing yards and 1,000 receiving yards in his career, but the first Big Ten player to amass these totals in just his third season. Barkley also became Penn State’s career touchdowns from scrimmage leader with 42 career scores, breaking Lydell Mitchell’s record.

Linebacker Jason Cabinda claimed his first career Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week. In the Michigan game, Cabinda snagged 13 tackles, including two half-sacks and one tackle for loss, and forced his second career fumble. His 13 tackles were one off his career mark of 14, which Cabinda has accomplished twice. The effort was his eighth career double-digit tackle performance.

Congratulations, Saquon and Jason!