Marvin Harrison Jr. will not play in Cotton Bowl
ARLINGTON, Texas — What was expected is now official for Ohio State: superstar wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. will not play in the Cotton Bowl against Missouri.
The Buckeyes star wide out did not practice in Texas this week as the No. 7 Buckeyes prepared to take on the No. 9 Tigers in AT&T Stadium. But the Buckeyes made sure to let Harrison make an announcement on his future whenever he chose, staying tight-lipped about the future first-round pick’s status for the game.
And even though he’s now not playing in the Cotton Bowl — and presumably heading to the NFL Draft in the near future, Harrison left a remarkable impact on Ohio State for the last three years.
“It’s the way he did everything,” Ohio State wide receiver’s coach and offensive coordinator Brian Hartline said this week. “It’s the way he prepared, it’s the way he talks. It’s the way in our group chats, the messages we put in that group chat, the reactions to those messages, the conversations about elite players, the Kobes of the world, the Mamba mentality. That’s really what’s elevated that bar.
“And now it’s a tall task to have the next guys find a way to raise that bar. Don’t know how, but we’re going to have to find a way to raise that bar. That’ll be up to Carnell [Tate] (freshman probably making his first college start on Friday night in place of Harrison) and the group that’ll be around next year.”
Now Harrison is officially out for the Cotton Bowl showdown. His Ohio State career is almost certainly over — and it was a special career.
Tommy Eichenberg also out for Buckeyes, other notes
Ohio State star linebacker Tommy Eichenberg is also out for the Buckeyes after suffering a late-season injury. He played in the Michigan game but won’t be able to suit up for Ohio State in the bowl game. His Buckeyes career could be over after Friday night’s bowl game.
Defensive back Lathan Ransom, of course, is also out. He hasn’t played since the late-October win over Wisconsin.
Freshman offensive lineman Miles Walker is out for Ohio State. He was seen at practice this week in a sling.
The full availability report from the program is now confirmed, making note that Ohio State doesn’t detail injury or disciplinary matters.
Questionable for Ohio State
None
Out
WR Nolan Baudo
LB Tommy Eichenberg
WR Marvin Harrison Jr.
TE Zak Herbstreit (season)
DB Lathan Ransom
WR Reis Stocksdale (season)
OL Miles Walker
DB/LB Kourt Williams II (season)
RB Miyan Williams (season)
