Justin Fields has been an Ohio State Buckeye for a couple weeks, but he already made his own mark on the Ohio State-Michigan rivalry. The Georgia transfer made comments on how big the rivalry was between the Buckeyes and the Wolverines.
“I definitely knew it was a big rivalry, but coming here and actually seeing all the M’s crossed out, it’s definitely way bigger than I thought it would be,” Fields said about the rivalry. “I’ll definitely be excited for that upcoming game.”
The newest Ohio State quarterback’s comments were heard by one of Michigan’s former players, 1997 Heisman Trophy winner Charles Woodson.
The Hall of Famer tweeted “This is what I’m talking about.. come in witness Ms crossed and immediately understand what the rivalry is all about, its importance, and embrace it.”
This is what I’m talking about.. come in witness crossed out M’s and immediately understand what the rivalry is all about, its importance, and embrace it. #notjustanothergame #Goblue https://t.co/GOFnxKeXqf
— Charles Woodson (@CharlesWoodson) February 6, 2019
The game between Ohio State and Michigan will have a different flavor this year with the retirement of Urban Meyer. New coach Ryan Day went 3-0 filling in Meyer in 2018, but he faced Oregon State, Rutgers, and TCU. The three teams combined to win 10 games all season and he has not faced a big test as a head coach.
Having Fields start at quarterback would be a big boost for the Buckeyes, but there is no guarantee that he will be eligible. He is petitioning to the NCAA to be immediately eligible after playing sparingly at Georgia last season. West Virginia transfer Chris Chugunov is the only quarterback on the roster with any playing experience, throwing for 551 yards and three touchdowns as Will Grier’s backup.
Michigan has no problems at quarterback as Shea Patterson returns for his senior season. He led the Wolverines to a 10-3 season but did not play well in their final two games against Ohio State and Florida. Patterson’s return to Michigan gives the Wolverines a leg up on the competition as Ohio State and Penn State both have to replace record-setting quarterbacks.
Fields was a consensus five-star recruit coming out of Georgia and he has a lot of talent. If he can get immediate eligibility, it will be a great quarterback duel in Michigan Stadium on November 30.
