ESPN analysts discuss Justin Fields' place in the Heisman Trophy race

Just a few weeks ago, Justin Fields looked like he might run away with the Heisman Trophy. His completion percentage was north of 87 percent and the Buckeyes were rolling.

Since then, Ohio State has lost two games due to COVID-19 and Fields threw three interceptions in a narrow win over Indiana.

What has that done to Fields’ Heisman campaign?

ESPN analysts Jesse Palmer and Joey Galloway debated that topic on Saturday.

“He might only play four or five games. He simply won’t have the stats. More importantly, I don’t think he’s going to have the Heisman moment,” Palmer argued on Saturday’s edition of College Football Final. “If Ohio State doesn’t get in the Big Ten Championship Game, his biggest game will have been against Indiana.”

Those are some good points. Ohio State is just 4-0 with only two weeks left in the regular season. If the Buckeyes can’t qualify for the Big Ten Title game, it’s hard to see a scenario where Fields’ raw numbers are able to stack up against Alabama’s Mac Jones or Florida’s Kyle Trask.

Galloway agreed that Fields’ performance against the Hoosiers will make it hard for him to receive serious consideration.

“I think that’s his problem. His worst game was in a marquee game, the one that everyone was watching, a top-10 matchup,” Galloway responded. “He throws the three interceptions, and I think you came away with sort of a bad feeling.

“He hasn’t had a chance to erase that while Kyle Trask has a big game. Mac Jones has a big game. If and when Fields gets back on the field, he has to have a huge game.”

Ohio State is scheduled to face Michigan State on Saturday.