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Heisman worthy: Justin Fields is putting Ohio State on his back with incredible first half

Paul Harvey

By Paul Harvey

Published:

Justin Fields is doing everything he can to make up for a shorthanded Ohio State squad.

Saturday morning, it was announced that the Buckeyes would be missing a number of players for the game against Michigan State. The exact number is 23 players out, a combination of injuries, COVID-19 positives, and contract tracing related to positive tests.

Among those players sidelined are three offensive line starters and a key backup for the unit. That means the Ohio State offense – and Fields at quarterback – is working with a patchwork line of starters at different positions and reserves filling in.

The impact has been seen in the game with Fields under pressure consistently during the first half. However, it hasn’t impacted his performance as he is putting the team on his shoulders in a big way.

Fields opened the game with two impressive drives that ended with a rushing touchdown and a passing touchdown. He added a second rushing touchdown later in the half for three total scores.

As the game heads to the break, Fields is 11-for-15 passing for 117 yards and a touchdown. On the ground, Fields has rushed nine times for 75 yards and two scores.

It has been a true dual-threat performance by Fields as he looks to get Ohio State back in the win column.

After Ohio State’s defense added a pick-six in improbable fashion, the Buckeyes head to the half with a 28-0 lead over the Spartans.

Paul Harvey

Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.