Scarlet Sunrise: With a knack for big games, Marvin Harrison Jr. embracing Michigan trip

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With a knack for big games, Marvin Harrison Jr. embracing Michigan trip

Ohio State superstar wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. is never braggadocious. In fact, he’s almost always deflecting credit and humbly dishing it to his teammates.

But the Heisman Trophy candidate picks his spots when to toot his own horn. Like last December when he said he felt like he deserved to win the Biletnikoff Award, which was instead given to Tennessee receiver — and eventual third-round pick of the New York Giants — Jalin Hyatt.

Harrison let his confidence in his ability shine again this week when he was asked if there was an age or a moment where he began embracing big games.

“I mean, I think I always played in the big games,” Harrison said. “My teams were always good. I always made it to the championship, whatever division I was at: Little League, middle school, high school.

“So I think it’s just I’ve kind of been there so many times now. I’m just looking forward to the moment, and understanding that your preparation takes care of everything else.”

The moment, of course, is this weekend’s top-three showdown with fellow undefeated Michigan. The same No. 2 versus No. 3 matchup as last year, only this time it’s in Ann Arbor.

“I think you embrace the stress that you have waking up on Saturday morning knowing that you’re going into a heavyweight fight there,” Harrison said.

Harrison’s stats back up his words.

In Ohio State’s most recent “matchup game,” a 20-12 win over then-No. 7 Penn State, Harrison reeled in a career-high 11 catches for 162 yards and the game-sealing touchdown. Of those 11 grabs, nine resulted in first downs. It was an encore performance against the Nittany Lions, who Harrison also picked apart in 2022 with 10 catches — all leading to first downs — and 185 receiving yards.

Perhaps most notably, before he got knocked out of the Peach Bowl College Football Playoff semifinal last year, he had the Buckeyes in position to make an unexpected trip to the national title game. Harrison had five catches for 106 yards and two scores to his name, besting Georgia cornerback Kelee Ringo and helping stake Ohio State to a 14-point lead heading into the final frame.

Even in last year’s clash versus Michigan, an embarrassing 45-23 defeat, Harrison caught seven passes for 120 yards and a touchdown, playing a significant role in the Buckeyes’ 20-17 halftime advantage.

Go back further, and you’ll find more clutch Harrison performances. He and current Ohio State starting quarterback Kyle McCord won three consecutive PIAA state championships at St. Joe’s Prep while rewriting Philadelphia Catholic League records.

“I’ve been in a lot big games, and a lot of those games I played with [Kyle],” Harrison said. “I kind of know where his mind space is. The confidence you see him go in there with — he’s one of the most confident guys I’ve ever been around.

“We always obviously have had a lot of trust in him to go out there and make the plays. There’s not another person I would want to go into battle with.”

Harrison’s Heisman campaign and, to a certain degree, his Buckeyes legacy are on the line Saturday at Michigan. He has to deliver on center stage again.

Not just in a big game — but in The Game.

Five Buckeyes who could surprise, be key factor in The Game

Ohio State’s stars need to be at their best for the Buckeyes to take down their rival and return bragging rights to Columbus.

But every year it seems like a lesser-known name steps up in The Game. Lettermen Row is breaking down five Ohio State players who have a chance to do that this time around.

Check out those candidates here.

By the Numbers: Comparing Ohio State and Michigan

The way these defenses have been playing this year, a low-scoring affair in Ann Arbor is on the table, especially considering both squads are top-12 nationally in opponent red zone touchdown percentage.

The offenses might have something to say about, though. Michigan is elite on third down, and Ohio State has the most difference-making skill players in the Big Ten.

Lettermen Row tracked how the Buckeyes and Wolverines compare after 11 games, by the numbers.

Get that stat rundown here.

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Buckeyes vs. Michigan: 1 day

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