WATCH: Ohio State Buckeyes Strike 1st vs. Purdue with TD From Marvin Harrison Jr.
The Ohio State Buckeyes didn't look like they'd be getting off to the best of starts on Saturday against the Purdue Boilermakers in West Lafayette.
But the No. 3 team in the country went to its top player to help alleviate any early doubt, as receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. got the Buckeyes on the board first. On Ohio State's first drive, the offense was faced with a pair of third downs, but quarterback Kyle McCord found Harrison Jr. for gains of 15, 34 and 14.
The third resulted in a touchdown and a 6-0 lead. Buckeyes kicker Jayden Fielding missed the ensuing extra point.
Take a look at the score:
As if Harrison Jr. wasn't already needed enough, his impact will likely be noticeable on Saturday with fellow standout receiver Emeka Egbuka out due to injury. Harrison Jr. has already been battling a lingering ankle injury, but it hardly seemed to bother him on Ohio State's first drive.
Harrison Jr. discussed the difficulties the injury presented prior to last week's win over Maryland.
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) catches a pass during warmups prior to the game at Ross-Ade Stadium.
© Robert Goddin, USA TODAY
“I definitely didn’t know how severe the injury was. I knew it was kind of, alright, same ankle all over again, just like last year,” Harrison said. “I knew if I wanted to finish this game I had to play on it.”
After the opening score, Harrison Jr. wasn't done. He added a 14-yard catch-and-run, bringing his receiving line in the first quarter to four catches for 77 yards. He remained the Ohio State receiver with a catch as of the 3:44 mark of the first quarter
The Buckeyes scored once again on their second drive to make it a 13-0 game.
