Barker made four field goals, including the overtime game-winner, in just his second start for the Nittany Lions.

Penn State kicker Ryan Barker‘s dream was quickly fulfilled. Walking off the Nittany Lions in a 33-30 overtime win at Southern Cal on Saturday afternoon, what he’d envisioned as a recruit turned into reality.

LOS ANGELES — As USC’s Michael Lantz — who had been 3-for-3 on field goals in regulation — missed a 45-yard try in overtime, Penn State kicker Ryan Barker quickly realized that a thrilling game could fall on his shoulders.

Ryan Barker knew it was going in before he even attempted the kick. It didn’t matter that USC tried to ice him, his mind had already been made up. He was not missing that field goal. And, just like he visualized,

Barker became his high school's first Division I football player. Now, he could be the Nittany Lions' starting placekicker vs. USC.

After Penn State defeated USC 33-30 in overtime this weekend in Los Angeles, two Nittany Lions received weekly honors from the Big Ten. Tight end Tyler Warren earned Co-Offensive Player of the Week, while kicker Ryan Barker won Freshman of the Week. Warren was also the Associated Press' Player of the Week.

Penn State senior tight end Tyler Warren and redshirt freshman kicker Ryan Barker claimed Big Ten weekly awards Monday for their efforts in No. 3 Penn State's 33-30 overtime win