Saquon Barkley: I expect to play in B1G Championship
When Saquon Barkley limped off the field during the second half on Saturday, the air left a buzzing Beaver Stadium.
The B1G East was already in the bag. But the thought of Penn State’s star running back suffering a serious injury that could sideline him for the B1G Championship game was tough to stomach.
But there was good news from Barkley on Monday. He expects to play.
Saquon Barkley says he expects to play in Saturday's Big Ten championship: "I'm feeling fine."
— Josh Moyer (@ByJoshMoyer) November 28, 2016
Barkley added that he’s feeling really good and taking it day by day. He said he’s getting treatment on the injured foot, and likely will every day until Saturday.
That added to the confidence James Franklin had in his status when he addressed the media during Sunday’s teleconference.
“We’re confident he’s playing, but for me to tell you right now how he’s looking, I don’t know,” Franklin said on call Sunday. “We haven’t even had our team meeting, haven’t even had our staff meeting to go over personnel with the trainers…But we’re anticipating him and expecting him being ready to play.”
Barkley is likely in line for an first-team All-B1G honor after racking up 1,219 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns this season. If he’s healthy, he’ll present a challenge for a Wisconsin defense that’s as battle-tested as they come.