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Ryan Day addresses controversial overturn of targeting call during Ohio State’s Peach Bowl loss

Paul Harvey

By Paul Harvey

Published:

Ryan Day knows the final outcome of a game can hinge on one or two calls, especially with Ohio State losing by one point, 42-41, in a hard-fought game against Georgia.

One of the key plays in the Peach Bowl came late in the third quarter with the Buckeyes facing a 3rd-and-goal situation. With CJ Stroud running from a pass rush, he heaved a prayer to the back of the end zone with Marvin Harrison Jr. trying to make a play on the ball.

Harrison was leveled by a Georgia defender on the play with officials throwing a flag for targeting on the field. Unfortunately, that call was overturned on review with Ohio State settling for a field goal on fourth down.

The larger impact on the game for Ohio State was the absence of Harrison down the stretch. Day confirmed after the game that the star receiver was ruled out after Harrison did not clear concussion protocols on the sideline. There’s no denying that blow had an impact on an already depleted offensive personnel for the Buckeyes.

As for the targeting call getting picked up, Day said after the game he had not seen a replay yet, but he did question the decision due to the concussion sustained by Harrison:

“I was told 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 hit in the head,” said Day. “I’d have to see the replay and they said it happened after he got hit. But I’d have to take a look at the video, I didn’t see a replay.”

Without Harrison, Ohio State managed just 3 points in the fourth quarter as Georgia rallied to outscore the Buckeyes 18-3 in the final quarter for the win.

Paul Harvey

Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.