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Urban Meyer admits to underestimating Justin Fields as a passer
By Rolando Rosa
Published:
In this season of redemption, Ohio State will go as far as its quarterback takes them. After initially questioning a certain aspect of his game, Urban Meyer now has no qualms that Justin Fields can return the Buckeyes to the top of college football.
Ohio State is coming off a convincing 52-17 victory vs. Nebraska in Week 1. Fields was incredibly efficient, completing 20 of his 21 passes for 278 yards and two touchdowns, along with a rushing score.
The former Ohio State coach and current FOX analyst was effusive in his praise after Fields’ outing. Meyer even reveled that his first impression of Fields ended up being blatantly false.
“The incredible transformation of Justin Fields (as a passer) … when Ryan Day and Corey Dennis came to me about Fields, we started thinking he was a runner-thrower,” Meyer said in a quote transcribed by 247Sports. “That couldn’t be further from the truth. He’s been developed into an elite thrower that happens to be electric speed and electric athlete. He’s incredible.”
After finishing third in the Heisman Trophy voting last season, Fields is firmly entrenched in the mix for college football’s most prestigious award again.
Next up for Fields and Ohio State is a Saturday night showdown at No. 18 Penn State (6:30 p.m CST/ABC).
Ohio State’s last national championship in 2014 came with Meyer at the helm. If Fields can sustain this level of play, the Buckeyes will be in strong position to add another trophy to their mantle.
Rolando Rosa brings his experience covering college football to Saturday Tradition. Follow him on Twitter @RolandoRosa3.