We’ve seen this movie before haven’t we? Last season, Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields went out of the Michigan game with an injury, only to shake it off, come right back in, and throw a touchdown pass.
Fields doubled-down in the Sugar Bowl against Clemson when he took a massive hit from Tigers’ linebacker James Sklaski and was knocked from the game. It was a vicious hit, and one in which Sklaski lowered his head and launched himself into the Ohio State quarterback’s side. It looked like a car wreck, and it’s not surprising that Fields had to leave the game and get some attention as he was visibly shaken.
If you didn’t see the hit, here it is.
James Skalski was called for targeting and ejected after this hit on Justin Fields. pic.twitter.com/0oqTQCTEDi
— ESPN (@espn) January 2, 2021
There was no flag originally on the play, and after some very vocal displeasure by the smattering of Ohio State fans and parents in the crowd, the replay officials reviewed the play and ejected Sklaski. It was a textbook leading with the crown of your head targeting example, and this time (wink, wink), the replay official got it correct.
Fields was still showing some discomfort but came back into the game a couple of plays later, shrugged off the injury and then found wide receiver Chris Olave on a nine-yard laser to put OSU up 28-14.
Justin Fields comes back from injury and throws laser to Chris Olave for a TD. https://t.co/BAqRMrvii2
— Buckeyes Wire (@BuckeyesWire) January 2, 2021
Atta boy Fields. We have to admit though, it does look like Fields is in some considerable duress. Hopefully, he gets checked out at halftime and can still return and be effective because he’s having one whale of a ballgame.
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