Ohio State Football: Get Marvin Harrison Jr. the ball

The Ohio State football team has not been able to run the ball in creative ways the last few seasons. Part of the reason they weren’t able to last year is because of the lack of healthy running backs they had available. Still, I thought they could have come up with more interesting plays.

They should do that this year. The Buckeyes will succeed the more that they get the best player on their team the ball. The best player on their team is Marvin Harrison Jr. He’s an elite receiver that can get open in the passing game without too much problem.

But they need to get him the ball in other ways too. While they had him fielding punts in the Spring, that’s not going to happen in the Fall. But giving him the ball on some end-arounds or reverses would be a good way to get him the ball and let his speed take over.

Harrison Jr. had just two carries last season. They went for a total of 32 yards, so they definitely worked. I’m not saying you need to use him like Curtis Samuel or anything, but having the ball in his hands means good things will happen for the Ohio State football team.

I’d like to see that number increase to around 10 this season. Yes, the running backs will be healthy his year. But giving Harrison Jr. the ball is a good way to open up the defense and open the playbook and give the running backs more space to work with.

Anytime that Harrison Jr. has the ball in his hands, he’s a threat to score. I just want the ball in his hands more often next season. If Ryan Day and this offensive staff can accomplish that, the Buckeyes will be better off for it.