Ohio State’s wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. has emerged as a strong contender for the Heisman Trophy, making a compelling case for himself as the best player in college football this season. In recent weeks, Harrison has been carrying Ohio State’s offense, consistently putting up impressive numbers and leading his team to victories.
Throughout the month of October, Ohio State faced tough opponents like Maryland, Purdue, Penn State, and Wisconsin. In each game, Harrison played a crucial role, recording over 100 receiving yards and at least one touchdown. His performances have been outstanding, earning him comparisons to Ohio State legend Cris Carter. According to ESPN Stats & Info, Harrison is only the second Buckeye to achieve these numbers in four consecutive games, following in the footsteps of the great Carter.
Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 205 pounds, Harrison has amassed an impressive stat line of 31 receptions for 533 yards and five touchdowns against the Terrapins, Boilermakers, Nittany Lions, and Badgers. His on-field presence and undeniable skill have earned him nicknames like Marvelous Marv, Super Marv, and Route Man Marv, further solidifying his reputation as one of the best in the business.
While some may consider Harrison a long shot for the Heisman Trophy, his recent performances have propelled him to become one of the top candidates. Currently ranked sixth in the Heisman odds at +1200, Harrison is hot on the heels of front-runners like Michael Penix Jr. of Washington, J.J. McCarthy of Michigan, Jayden Daniels of LSU, Bo Nix of Oregon, and Jordan Travis of Florida State.
In the remaining weeks of the regular season, Harrison has the opportunity to surpass these contenders and solidify his position as a serious Heisman contender. If he continues to shine in upcoming games against Rutgers, Michigan State, and Minnesota, breaking records against Michigan’s pass defense, Harrison may very well receive an invite to the Heisman Trophy ceremony in New York City.
Looking back at recent Heisman winners, we have seen non-quarterbacks claim the prestigious award, such as DeVonta Smith in 2020, Derrick Henry in 2015, Mark Ingram II in 2009, and Reggie Bush in 2005. Harrison has a chance to join this esteemed list, especially with the exceptional talent he possesses and the impact he has on Ohio State’s offense.
Shifting the focus to Ohio State’s running back, TreVeyon Henderson has proven to be a game-changer for the Buckeyes’ offense. When he is fully healthy and leading the running back room, Ohio State’s offense operates on a different level. Henderson’s return from a three-game absence against Wisconsin showcased his explosive playmaking ability and the impact he has on the game.
Harrison praises Henderson’s explosiveness and describes him as the most explosive back in the country. Henderson validated this statement with a stellar performance against Wisconsin, accumulating 162 yards and one touchdown on the ground, along with 45 receiving yards. His quickness and shiftiness as a runner make him a constant threat to break big plays and pose a challenge for opposing defenses.
With Henderson in the backfield, Ohio State’s rushing attack thrived, gaining 181 yards against Wisconsin. This performance was only surpassed by their season-best 207 yards gained against Western Kentucky. Henderson’s presence adds an extra dimension to the Buckeyes’ offense, and fans can expect more of his explosive play in the upcoming games.
While Ohio State’s quarterback Kyle McCord had a difficult outing against Wisconsin, struggling with turnovers and accuracy, he showcased his determination and resilience in leading the team to a victory. Despite his shortcomings, McCord’s tough-mindedness and leadership qualities were evident as he didn’t let mistakes deter him from making plays and rallying his teammates.
Although McCord still has room for improvement, he has the talent and support of a strong offensive cast, including Marvin Harrison Jr., Emeka Egbuka, TreVeyon Henderson, and Cade Stover. McCord’s ability to make timely plays in crucial moments, combined with the talent around him, can be a winning formula for Ohio State.
In recognition of outstanding performances, Ohio State named TreVeyon Henderson as the offensive player of the game, while defensive tackle Tyleik Williams received the defensive player of the game award. Additionally, Jack Sawyer and Tommy Eichenberg were recognized for their contributions on defense, and Cody Simon was lauded for his special teams play.
Overall, it was a fantastic weekend for these players, who played instrumental roles in Ohio State’s victory over Wisconsin. Their performances have further solidified Ohio State’s position as a top contender in college football.
