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Fuel for the fire: Justin Fields explains how Ohio State is using loss to Clemson as motivation in 2020
By Rolando Rosa
Published:
Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields is loud and clear on the mission for this season.
The Buckeyes want to erase the painful memory of losing in the semifinals of the College Football Playoff. Ohio State went 12-0 in the regular season before falling 29-23 to Clemson.
Fields, who had a subpar showing with two interceptions in the game, is front and center about the motivation to finish the job this season.
“I try not to remember it too much,” Fields said on SportsCenter in a quote transcribed by 247Sports. “It comes back every now and then. Really it’s just taking that from last year and what could have been. I think that situation happening to us really drove us in the offseason. Our team has been fueled from it. We’ve had that chip on our shoulder all offseason.”
In his first season at Ohio State, Fields amassed an insane 3,273 yards, 41 touchdowns and three interceptions through the air, while logging 484 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground. Fields finished third in the 2019 Heisman Trophy voting.
The No. 5 Buckeyes are the highest ranked B1G team in the AP poll and Coaches Poll. Meanwhile, undefeated Clemson is atop both polls. A rematch would certainly intrigue college football fans.
Ohio State will take the first step in accomplishing their mission when they host Nebraska on Saturday (11 a.m. CST/FOX).
Rolando Rosa brings his experience covering college football to Saturday Tradition. Follow him on Twitter @RolandoRosa3.