COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Between recruiting, awards ceremonies all over the country and staff comings and going, Ohio State football coach Ryan Day has not had much of a break since the Big Ten championship game win over Wisconsin.

“This last week was the craziest week I’ve ever been a part of,” Day said.

His sophomore quarterback, Justin Fields, participated in some of that craziness. Fields and teammate Chase Young were in Atlanta last Thursday for the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards. Then they headed to New York as Heisman Trophy finalists.

While the extra travel might not have been ideal, it better for Fields’ physical status than football activity. After suffering a left knee injury in the penultimate regular season game against Penn State, Fields wore a large brace for the win at Michigan and the Big Ten championship game.

“I think with this rest, he’s going to be at 100%,” Day said.

Fields admitted his mobility was affected by the brace. He carried the ball a season-high 21 times against Penn State, but carried 18 times total against Michigan and Wisconsin. Day said after the Big Ten championship that Ohio State game planned not to use Fields in designed runs.

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Having Fields back as a fully functional weapon could be crucial against a Clemson defense ranked first nationally in passing defense and ninth in rushing defense. Fields’ threat, in tandem with running back J.K. Dobbins, brings a versatility to the backfield that keeps opposing defenses honest.

Fields has rushed for 471 yards this season (without removing sack yardage) and scored 10 touchdowns on the ground.