Ohio State football: Justin Fields takes the high road on Dabo Swinney ranking Buckeyes No. 11

After a tremendous performance in Friday night’s Sugar Bowl win, Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields refused to comment on Dabo Swinney’s No. 11 ranking

Ohio State star quarterback Justin Fields and the Ohio State Buckeyes proved the naysayers wrong on Friday night, bashing the No. 2 Clemson Tigers in the 2021 Sugar Bowl semifinal, 49-28.

One of those naysayers who probably wishes he kept his thoughts on Ohio State to himself over the past few weeks is Clemson football head coach Dabo Swinney, who raised eyebrows after placing the Buckeyes as the No. 11 seed in the Coaches Poll two weeks ago.

Justin Fields didn’t have time to talk about Dabo Swinney’s disrespect

With lots to prove ahead of Friday night’s CFB Playoff semifinal contest, junior signal-caller Justin Fields shined in front of millions of viewers, completing 22 of his 28 passes for 385 yards. The Kennesaw, Ga. native also set a Sugar Bowl record with six passing touchdowns.

After solidifying the Buckeyes’ opportunity to play for a national championship on Jan. 11, the junior quarterback did not fall for the trap and respond with a clap back towards Swinney.

Instead, Fields let his play speak for itself and boy did it make quite the statement.

Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day‘s offense lit up the Tigers’ defense, totaling 639 yards. Fields was assisted by another outstanding game from running back Trey Sermon who finished with 191 rushing yards and a touchdown on 30 carries. Sermon, who was rewarded with more reps due to the injury of Master Teague, also had four receptions on the night and 61 receiving yards.

Fields’ favorite target, Chris Olave, who was sidelined for the Big Ten Championship game against Northwestern, finished with six receptions for 132 yards and a touchdown.

After securing its first-ever win over Clemson, Ohio State now moves on to the CFP National Championship for the first time since 2014 when it won the national title. Awaiting the Buckeyes is Nick Saban‘s top-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide – a squad who’s looking for revenge after losing to the Big Ten powerhouse in its last meeting in the 2014 CFB Playoff semifinals.

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