Ohio State football: Justin Fields’ Heisman campaign lives
By Ryan Stano
Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields was one of the favorites for the Heisman trophy coming into the 2020 season. With the Big Ten returning back to football, his Heisman campaign has been resurrected.
Justin Fields had an excellent first year as a Buckeye in 2019. He was able to lead Ohio State to the College Football Playoffs and was a finalist for the Heisman trophy. He was expected to once again be a finalist this year. Now, he will finally get his chance.
With the news that the Big Ten will be returning to football in late October, Fields now gets his chance to show the world that he is the best player in college football. He was the driving force for the Buckeyes’ success on offense a year ago and certainly be this year as well.
Fields will have a myriad of challenges this season. He will have to make sure he doesn’t get COVID first and foremost. If he does, he would be out at least three weeks. That would derail not only his Heisman campaign but Ohio State’s season as well.
Fields will also have to navigate a season with a new running back. Trey Sermon will be replacing J.K. Dobbins as the starter and Master Teague will once again be the backup. Dobbins was a big part of the offense last year as well, rushing for over 2,000 yards. Replacing him will not be easy.
Not having Dobbins might allow Fields to use his legs more and put up more robust rushing numbers, which would help his Heisman campaign as well. Add that to the fact that the Buckeyes have more quarterback depth behind him, I would expect more designed runs for Fields.
Fields may have to have someone new at the left guard spot, as Wyatt Davis decided to prepare for the 2021 NFL Draft. However, with the conference now playing football, Davis might reverse his decision and play for the Bucks once again. If he does, Fields becomes even more unstoppable.
Next. Big Ten football is finally back. dark
The primary competition for the Heisman that Fields will face will likely come from Trevor Lawrence, Spencer Rattler, and Sam Howell. If he can hold off those other quarterbacks, Fields will be hoisting the Heisman at the end of the year, and possibly the national championship trophy too.