Ryan Day reacts to non-targeting call on hit that took out Marvin Harrison Jr

Ryan Day had some interesting thoughts on the non-targeting call on the hit that sidelined Marvin Harrison Jr. during the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl.

To illustrate, CJ Stroud chucked a ball to the back of the end zone that was almost hauled in by the Ohio State star wide receiver, if not for Georgia defensive back Javon Bullard coming across and delivering a crushing hit on Harrison.

Afterwards, Harrison was down on the turf for a brief period and the play was reviewed for targeting, and officials came to the conclusion not to throw the flag. Harrison then missed the remainder of the game with a concussion, which caused Day to question the decision.

“I was told that it was not targeting. That he didn’t take a shot to the head, which is hard — I didn’t see it, so I don’t know, but to get a concussion and not get in the head, I’d have to see the replay,” stated Day. “They said that it happened after he got hit. But I’d have to take a look at the video. I wasn’t able to see the replay.”

Alas, Marvin Harrison Jr. going down proved to be a huge turning point in the game, as he was basically un-coverable, catching five passes for 106 yards and two touchdowns at the time.

It’s going to sting for Ohio State that they lost in heartbreaking fashion, thinking what could’ve been all offseason if their star wide receiver was able to stay in the game.

Kirk Herbstreit: ‘Could not be more proud’ of Ryan Day, CJ Stroud and Ohio State

Kirk Herbstreit had nothing but praise for Ryan Day, CJ Stroud and Ohio Statefollowing their heartbreaking loss to Georgia on Saturday.

While their recent loss against Michigan may have sent the media after them like a pack of dogs, Herbstreit stated that the vibe should be completely different around the Buckeyes’ loss to the Bulldogs.

“Thirty-five days of scrutiny,” Herbstreit said. “Every time they did an interview down here in Atlanta, it’s ‘why should you be here? How can you win against Georgia?’ They get very defensive and I think they got very frustrated. They showed up as an angry football team tonight.

“I walk out of here — of course, it’s about Georgia advancing — could not be more proud of Ryan Day, CJ Stroud, and Ohio State and the way they played. And the way they laid it on the line tonight. That’s all you can ask for. You’re going to lose some of those games. You play the way they did tonight — to me, you walk out disappointed but not the way you felt when you lost to Michigan.”

Ohio State played their hearts out when most people didn’t give them a chance, and CJ Stroud did everything he could to lead them to victory. They can hold their heads up high, as Kirk Herbstreit said, as they clean out their lockers and move on to 2023.