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Matt Leinart breaks down how Justin Fields, Chase Young can close the gap in Heisman race

Paul Harvey

By Paul Harvey

Published:

Joe Burrow is still the odds-on favorite to win the Heisman, but Matt Leinart is not overlooking the strong resumes of Justin Fields and Chase Young.

During a Wednesday segment for FOX College Football, the former Heisman winning QB and USC Trojans star discussed the Heisman race heading into the final week of the regular season. There’s no denying Burrow has been extraordinary this year, but Leinart still likes how Ohio State’s schedule to end the year is shaping up.

For Fields, Leinart likes how he stepped up and made some big plays to down Penn State, even though it wasn’t his best game of the season.

“Justin Fields, not his best game last week…but he dealt with adversity, made some big plays at the end of the game,” said Leinart. “His numbers are ridiculous, so he’s got the stats. He has an opportunity to go on the road at Michigan in one of the biggest rivalry games in college football and make a statement.”

RELATED: CFB Playoff executive director Bill Hancock discusses Ohio State’s resume, No. 1 ranking

Though he likes Fields’ numbers, Leinart believes Young has the best chance to close the gap to Burrow due to his recent string of play. Young has seven sacks and four forced fumbles in his last two games, both against top-15 opponents for the Buckeyes:

“Where we sit right now, I think Chase Young has the best opportunity to close the gap and potentially pass Joe Burrow and win the Heisman,” said Leinart.

RELATED: Joel Klatt believes Ohio State has potential to be Top 5 all-time team

Here’s Leinart’s full breakdown:

Will Fields and Young boost their stock in The Game against Michigan? Saturday’s kickoff in Ann Arbor is set for 12 pm EST on FOX.

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.