BSD MVP Akron: Saquon Barkley

It took 10 offensive snaps before Saquon Barkley touched the ball, but once he got the rock in his hands, it was all over for the Mighty Zips of Akron. Whether it was his incredible pick-up of a first down on a catch well short of the sticks by dodging numerous Akron defenders (similar to how the hero in a martial arts movie takes on six different enemies all by himself, despite being surrounded), or ripping off an 80-yard run off tackle, Saquon picked up where he left off from the Rose Bowl, garnering 174 yards rushing on only 14 carries and two rushing touchdowns and also catching three passes for 54 yards. And for that, Saquon is your BSD MVP for Week 1.

Honorable Mentions

Trace McSorley - Trace established himself as a true dual-threat, tossing for 280 yards through the air and picking up an additional 48 yards on the ground for three total touchdowns (two passing, one rushing). The crazy thing is, Trace would have probably had an additional TD pass or two had a couple of his passes been more on the money, as he hit wide open receivers. If not for Saquon being Saquon, Trace would have likely been your BSD MVP for this game.

Mike Gesicki - Aren’t you all glad this guy decided to come back for his senior season? The 6’6” tight end was (and will continue to be) a match-up nightmare for his opponents as he caught a team-leading six balls for 58 yards and a pair of touchdowns (replete with his signature ‘all aboard the G-Train’ celebration).

Amani Oruwariye - His acrobatic clutch interception early in the game set up one of PSU’s seven drives ending in the end zone. Amani also had an critical pass break-up on a deep ball that likely prevented an Akron touchdown. For that, he is deserving of an honorable mention.