SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- During his time on the college football awards circuit, Saquon Barkley went to Stanford running back Bryce Love for some pointers.
The two were together at the College Football Awards show in Atlanta earlier this month and Barkley wanted to know how Love rushed for 166 yards and three touchdowns against Washington, the Nittany Lions' Fiesta Bowl opponent.
"I just asked him how he attacked the defense," Barkley said Tuesday. "What was his mindset? Was it more speed? Was it more power? And if you watch the game, he uses a lot more speed. And he had a really good game, had success against that defense. ... He did give me some tips and some things to help me come into this game that I'll definitely pass along to the other running backs."
Barkley still plans to be the running back, at least on Saturday. The Lions' standout junior said Tuesday he hasn't made a decision yet about his NFL future and said he doesn't have an exact date in mind for when he'll do so. Keep in mind UCLA quarterback Josh Rosen didn't suit up Tuesday night for the Cactus Bowl, with the projected No. 1 overall pick not playing due to a decision that was medically related.
"It could be the day after (the bowl), it could be two days after, it could be two weeks after,” Barkley told FightOnState.com of his NFL decision-making process. "When I feel comfortable that I've made the right decision — whether to come back or stay — that's when I'll announce it."
Until then, Penn State's offense will have their work cut out for them against a Washington run defense that's ranked No. 1 in the country, limiting opponents to 92.3 yards per game. Heading the Huskies' front is 6-5, 340-pound defensive tackle Vita Vea who will challenge a Penn State offensive line that was up and down this season, getting pushed backwards one series yet showing promise the next. Having a chance to cap the season with a measuring stick of sorts will be a huge point of emphasis this week, one that isn't lost on even the Lions' senior linemen.
"We're excited," Brendan Mahon said. "We've been preparing really hard for them, the scheme, and just as an entire offensive line. And their front seven is amazing. ... I'm not going to take anything away from them. Over the past couple of weeks we've been prepping really hard. And I think we have a great game plan down to kind of get the ball rolling, because it's going to start up front."
LIVING IN THE MOMENT
The Nittany Lions arrived in Arizona on Saturday and had a chance to get out and see the sights in Scottsdale the first few nights before the team went back to the usual plan as they scaled back curfew the closer it gets to the game. The players were slated to head to Topgolf on Tuesday and also have a team dinner. Balancing fun with lifts in the converted hotel walkways and practice with hanging out at the resort can be a tough balance to strike. The Lions are hoping to find that.
"When it's time to have fun, go out and have a good time," Mahon said. "Go out do the Topgolf and all that, and be in the moment for that. But when it comes time to be here for practice, it's time to practice, time to put the preparation in, because at the end of the week you want this bowl game to be topped off with a win and nothing else."
Losing the Rose Bowl last year put a damper on the bowl experience, Trace McSorley said. All the hoopla in the lead up to the game was one thing, but leaving California with a bad taste in their mouths didn't go away overnight. That point is one Franklin already tapped into this week.
"That's kind of one of those things we've talked about this week, is winning the game makes the entire experience that much better," McSorley said. "The food tasted a little better. The sky was a little bluer that entire week, when you look back at it because you won the game."
QUICK HITS
• Penn State parted ways with linebacker Manny Bowen and wide receiver Irv Charles, officially on Tuesday. Both had been suspended for a violation of team rules.
• Who does Barkley like to think of himself as when it comes to NFL running backs?
"A guy that sticks out to me would be Le'Veon Bell," he said. "I love the way he plays the game. And Todd Gurley, Todd Gurley also. I think the other day he was the second player to have 100 rushing yards and 100 receiving yards in a long time. Todd Gurley and Le'Veon Bell, those are two backs, they're not just downhill runners and only do one thing, or they're only coming in on third down; they're every single down backs. They catch the ball out of the backfield, they block, they run."
• Offensive coordinator Ricky Rahne will call the Fiesta Bowl from up in the booth, which is his usual spot. Rahne was promoted to offensive coordinator earlier this month and had been contemplating whether to call the game from the sideline where he can be eye to eye with players or if he'd do it up top.
• Defensive coordinator Brent Pry and several of the Lions' defensive players will meet with the media on Wednesday and then we'll have a chance to catch practice. Both teams will hold media day on Thursday and more availabilities on Friday. I'm getting settled in out here after flying out today and intern Waiss Aramesh arrived as well. We'll have plenty of photos, videos and stories to come this week.
