Ohio State Football: Breakout stars against TTUN must lead
Last year against the team up north, Malik Harrison and Chris Olave had incredible performances that vaulted them into the Ohio State history books.
In The Game, WR Chris Olave and LB Malik Harrison had career games on the way to a 62-39 Ohio State drubbing of the then-4th-ranked Michigan Wolverines. But now, the challenge continues as they will be called upon once again to lead their units.
Olave grabbed 2 touchdown catches (his only two receptions of the game) for a total of 48 yards. The touchdowns alone would have normally vaulted him into Buckeyes fans’ memory.
But with 4:50 left in the 3rd quarter and only an 8-point lead for the Buckeyes, Olave broke through the Wolverines offensive line to block a punt that was returned for a touchdown by fellow true freshman Sevyn Banks.
The blocked punt for a touchdown gave the Buckeyes breathing room, and they never looked back. As for Malik Harrison, he completed 7 tackles, included 2 for loss, but more importantly had an emphatic sack of Shea Patterson on Michigan’s first series from scrimmage, setting the tone for the rest of The Game.
While Olave’s breakout was somewhat isolated to this game, Harrison’s was the conclusion of an impressive regular season. Both players were impressive last year, but will be called upon to lead in 2019.
For Olave, the wide receiver room faces the losses of Parris Campbell, Johnnie Dixon and Terry McLaurin. The three combined for 177 receptions which was 44 percent of Ohio State’s receptions total last year.
While the unit is still strong with the likes of KJ Hill, Binjimen Victor and Austin Mack, the Buckeyes will need leadership at the receiver position.
Olave will only be a sophomore next year, and could also appear on special teams after his statement punt block against Michigan. Nonetheless, he will be groomed for leadership as Hill, Victor and Mack will all be gone after next season.
As for Harrison, Ohio State will only lose senior LB Dante Booker. However, at many times this unit struggled as they were unable to prevent the consistent 50+ yard runs.
Once the many running backs got through the defensive line, the linebackers should have been able to prevent the long-distance runs. But after they whiffed, the secondary was forced to move off the receivers they were covering downfield which made it difficult to prevent the big plays on the ground.
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But this year the linebackers will be coached by Al Washington, who was brought over to the Buckeyes from Michigan. With Washington’s instruction and the leadership of Malik Harrison (who was the co-leader on the team with 81 tackles) along with Tuf Borland, the Ohio State linebacker unit should be a strength in 2019.
Both Olave and Harrison continued off of the momentum against That Team Up North against Northwestern in the Big Ten Championship Game. Olave caught another TD pass from Dwayne Haskins, while Harrison led the Buckeyes with 10 total tackles.
Next. 4 spring wishes for the Buckeyes. dark
In 2019, the expectations will be high for the Ohio State Buckeyes, and Chris Olave and Malik Harrison will give their best to make sure that the lofty goals are met. If Olave can be a key piece in the adjustment to new QB Justin Fields, and Harrison can lead the improving LB unit, the Buckeyes will likely be heading back to Indianapolis, and maybe even the College Football Playoff.