WATCH: Marvin Harrison Jr. nearly makes insane touchdown catch, sustains huge hit
C.J. Stroud was just trying to chuck the ball away with a bevy of Georgia defenders chasing him down. But his throw, which was seemingly intended to go out the back of the end zone, fell into the arms of a barely out of bounds Marvin Harrison Jr.
And as Harrison came down with the pass, albeit a with a toe out of bounds, Georgia defensive back Javon Bullard came across and delivered a crushing hit on the star Ohio State receiver. Harrison was down on the turf for a brief period and the play was reviewed for targeting.
After a relatively quick review, the targeting was waved off and Bullard remained in. Harrison eventually walked off and appeared to be OK. According to ESPN’s Holly Rowe, he was telling teammates and coaches he was OK, but did not have his helmet back. Whether he returns remains in question.
The end zone angle gives a clear shot of just how close Harrison was to hauling it in. And how hard of a hit he took from Bullard.
Ohio State ultimately settled for a field goal to take a 38-24 lead.
Kirby Smart wanted more physicality from Georgia in the second half vs. Ohio State
Coming out of halftime against Ohio State and trailing, 28-24, Georgia head coach Kirby Smart wanted his team to up the physicality against the Buckeyes, according to ESPN sideline reporter Laura Rutledge. Smart particularly wanted this change along the line of scrimmage.
Smart wants to see this show up on defense, especially, in getting after Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud. The Bulldogs have struggled hanging with the Buckeye receivers and getting after Stroud gives the secondary some help.
“His final message to the team as they were running out: ‘Win the fourth quarter,’” Rutledge said.
It wasn’t the most auspicious start for the Bulldogs to start the second half as an offensive series ended with a punt and Ohio State quickly moved the ball into Georgia territory.