Coach says losing Marvin Harrison Jr to a concussion on a hard hit ‘absolutely’ affected the game.
Late in the third quarter, Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. took a huge shot from a Georgia defender while attempting to catch a ball intended for the back of the end zone from C.J. Stroud.
Harrison attempted a last-second catch but was met by Javon Bullard, causing the star receiver to fall and stay down. He would leave the game after suffering a concussion and would not return. When the injury occurred, Ohio State was leading 35-24, and they went on to lose the game 42-41.
After the game, Ohio State coach Ryan Day stated that Harrison’s absence had a significant impact on the outcome.
“To say that losing Marvin had an impact on the game, it absolutely did,” Day said, as reported by ESPN.
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Bullard was originally penalised for targeting, but the decision was later reversed. Day said he wasn’t sure whether it was correct to overturn the call, but he was perplexed because Harrison had suffered a concussion.
The star wide receiver said he felt well enough to return, but trainers prevented him from doing so.
“It was just a normal hit.” “I felt like I was good enough to play again,” he said, adding that he understood the medical staff was only concerned with his safety.
Harrison had five receptions for 106 yards and two touchdowns.
