The Rose Bowl is the most iconic setting in college football.
New Years’ Day, the gorgeous sunset and prior generations hearing Keith Jackson calling the game “The Granddaddy of them All”.
This years Rose Bowl will feature a Utah team looking to make a statement against a national power while Ohio State looks for a silver lining in what was a disappointing finish to the season.
How they got here:
#6 Ohio State
2021 was an up and down season for the two loss Buckeyes. Following a week 2 loss against Oregon, Ryan Day’s team rolled through the Big 10 with a nine game win streak.
The momentum was shattered though following a physical drubbing at the hands of Michigan. The Wolverines relentlessly pounded the ball exposing the Buckeyes in the trenches. The loss left them out of CFP contention and made Ohio State destined for Pasadena.
With quarterback CJ Stroud facilitating the offense, Ohio State proved to be one of the most lethal units in the country. That was never more prevalent than a 56-7 drubbing of Michigan State where Stroud threw six first half touchdowns.
The receiving core is what really made this offense go. Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave both returned to school and completed record setting careers. Not to be forgotten is Jaxon Smith-Njigba. The sophomore was outstanding with the highlight a 15 catch performance against Nebraska.
Defensively, Ohio State struggled against teams that liked to run the ball physically. Oregon and Michigan both showed a willingness to run the ball and the Buckeyes struggled to respond. With star defensive lineman Haskell Garrett opting out, they could struggle with Utah’s vaunted ground attack.
#11 Utah
Kyle Wittingham once again proved he’s among America’s most underrated coaches in 2021. He led the Utes to their first PAC 12 title following two dominant victories over Oregon.
Sparking the run was an early season quarterback change. Following a loss to BYU in the Holy War, Wittingham changed it up going with sopohomore Cameron Rising. Rising responded by leading Utah to an 8-2 finish closing the season with a six game win streak.
Helping out Rising has been running Tavion Thomas. The junior has made an immediate impact in the backfield rushing for over 1000 yards and 20 touchdowns. The second mark is a school record he’ll need to add to for Utah to win.
Defensively is where the Utes make their money as usual. They allow just 20.62 points per game and less than 300 yards. Impressive totals in the fun n’ gun age of college football.
Leading the charge on that side of the ball is linebacker Devin Lloyd. The junior leads the team with 106 total tackles, eight sacks and four interceptions. His impact was on display in the PAC 12 Championship when he had seven tackles and returned an interception for a touchdown.
Supporting Lloyd is Nephi Sewell and Clark Phillips III. Sewell, a linebacker is second on the team in tackles while Phillips III has broken out to become on of the PAC 12’s best corners in 2021.
Players to Watch:
Ohio State: WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba
The intrigue of the Rose Bowl took a hit when it was announced Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson opted out of the game to prepare for the NFL Draft. Luckily for the Buckeyes, they have a third receiver that has huge pro potential.
All Smith-Njigba has done this season is catch 80 passes for more than 1200 yards. His rapport with fellow sophomore Stroud has given Buckeyes fans something to look forward to in 2022. His ability to carry the receiver room with the absences of Wilson and Olave will go a long way in a potential Ohio State victory.
Utah: RB Tavion Thomas
Following the tragic death of running back Ty Jordan this off-season, Utah had a void to fill on and off the field. Thomas has done an admirable job of doing so on the field. His 20 rushing touchdowns led the PAC 12 and has over 1000 yards on fewer than 200 carries. Since becoming the feature back against USC, he has cleared 100 yards four times and found paydirt in every game.
At 6’3 and 225 pounds Thomas is an extremely physical runner with the speed to hurt defenses at the second level. Oregon’s CJ Verdell and Michigan’s Hassan Haskins both gave Ohio State a lot of problems so look for Thomas to do the same for Ohio State.
Prediction
Utah and their stout defense has yet to face an offense with the weapons that Ohio State does. The loss of Olave and Wilson however mean that the Utes defense can key in on Smith-Njigba and Trayveon Henderson. That combined with the balance that Utah has on the offensive end makes me like Kyle Wittingham’s team in an upset.
Score: Utah 31 – Ohio State 27