Scarlet Sunrise: Marvin Harrison Jr., Tommy Eichenberg named semifinalists for Maxwell, Bednarik Award
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Marvin Harrison Jr., Tommy Eichenberg named semifinalists for Maxwell, Bednarik Award
Two of Ohio State’s biggest stars were recognized as such this week.
Ohio State prolific wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. — a Heisman Trophy candidate — was named a semifinalist for the Maxwell Award, given annually to the most outstanding player in college football. And standout Buckeyes linebacker Tommy Eichenberg — a two-time captain — got the nod as a semifinalist for the Chuck Bednarik Award, which goes to college football’s most outstanding defensive player.
Harrison is one of 17 semifinalists for the Maxwell Award. He’s also one of three wide receivers in contention. Harrison is joined by LSU wideout Malik Nabers and Missouri wideout Luther Burden III.
Harrison just became the first Ohio State player to ever record two 1,000-yard receiving seasons. He’s on his way to surpassing his 2022 marks that helped make him the best NFL receiving prospect in quite some time. Harrison already has 59 catches, 1,063 receiving yards and 12 touchdown grabs this year. This past weekend against Michigan State, he collected his first career rushing score.
As for Eichenberg, he’s one of 20 semifinalists for the Bednarik Award. Eichenberg missed this past weekend’s game versus the Spartans with an apparent arm injury, but he’s as tough as nails — as evidenced by the fact that he played the end of last season with a pair of broken hands. The graduate ‘backer is the quarterback of coordinator Jim Knowles’ defense, which is second nationally with a mere 9.9 points per game allowed.
Eichenberg is once again leading the Buckeyes in total tackles, this time with 73 in nine games played. He’s also got a sack and, according to Pro Football Focus, 11 pressures to his name, the fifth most of any Buckeyes defender this season.
The finalists for both awards will be announced on Nov. 28. Then the winners will be revealed on Dec. 8.
Breaking down PFF snap counts, grades from Michigan State game
The participation reports were lengthy from Ohio State’s 38-3 domination of Michigan State. With a 35-point lead much of the second half, the Buckeyes turned to their bench and got young and inexperienced players valuable snaps.
Ohio State true freshman quarterback Lincoln Kienholz made his debut. His connection with tight end Jelani Thurman drove excitement. On the other side of the ball, first-year cornerback Calvin Simpson-Hunt was among the defensive players who flashed.
Lettermen Row broke down the PFF snap counts and game grades from the Buckeyes’ blowout victory.
For the analysis of the defense, go here.
For the analysis of the offense, go here.
Rewatch notebook: Final thoughts from Buckeyes win over Michigan State
Ohio State is undefeated through 10 games. The Buckeyes’ defense — second in the nation in points per game allowed — is still elite. And their offense appears to be finding a groove when it matters most.
But they still have to get through Minnesota before reaching The Game.
First, Lettermen Row watched Ohio State’s win over Michigan State again, and we have some final thoughts before moving onto the home finale versus the Golden Gophers this weekend.
Check it out here.
Counting down
Buckeyes vs. Minnesota: 4 days
Buckeyes vs. Michigan: 11 days
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