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Here’s why Brett McMurphy likes Justin Fields’ Heisman chances

Scott Schultz

By Scott Schultz

Published:

Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields made his debut and put up a nearly flawless running of the Buckeyes offense, garnering the attention of some of the Heisman Trophy watchers.

While Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence and Alabama’s Mac Jones remain in the No.1 and No.2 spots in the USA TODAY Network’s weekly Heisman survey, Fields came in at No. 3. Considering the junior signal caller was only included on one ballot last week, it’s a major move forward.

Stadium Network’s Brett McMurphy adds his take on Fields’ recognition:

“I really like Justin Fields. I think recently that if you’re the Heisman favorite early in the season, everyone nitpicks at you and points out what you didn’t do as opposed to what you’ve done. So I think actually having a late start helps Justin Fields.

“Obviously his debut didn’t hurt… Vegas agrees, he was 6-or7-to-1 to win the Heisman and now he’s down to 2-to-1. He’s the second favorite behind Trevor Lawrence. And also keep in mind, Heisman voters love good stories. Believe me, it will get played up a lot that Fields is the one who started the “We Want to Play” campaign. If he continues to put big numbers and Ohio State runs the table, I think it goes down to the wire between Fields and Lawrence.”

Here’s the full conversation:

The attention comes after Fields threw for more touchdown passes – with two, than incompletions – only one on his 21 passes during his attack on the Nebraska secondary. He totaled 276 yards through the air, and added 54 yards rushing with a touchdown.

Fields and the Buckeyes will travel to College Station to take on Penn State this Saturday, with a 7:30 pm ET scheduled kickoff.

Scott Schultz

Scott Schultz covers Michigan State Football, along with Breaking News for B1G Football & Basketball for Saturday Tradition. He also serves as an Automotive News Editor & Writer, and Softball Writer elsewhere on the web. Follow him on Twitter @SRSchultz.