Ohio State Football: 3 takeaways from classic Rose Bowl win over Utah

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Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) reaches into the endzone for a touchdown while dragging Utah Utes running back Micah Bernard (2) during the second quarter of the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Jan 1, 2022.College Football Rose Bowl /

3. Sometimes, the offense can keep you in the game

It was no secret that the Ohio State Buckeyes defense was not very good this season. The defense is the primary reason the Buckeyes were not in the College Football Playoff. Though the Utes are not an offensive juggernaut, an average (and shorthanded) Ohio State defense was ripe for the picking.

In addition, Utah was highly motivated to win this game. Though the Utes are talented defensively, the Buckeyes have too much talent not to put up a lot of points.

After the Buckeyes punted on their first two possessions, the Buckeyes scored touchdowns on their next three possessions before halftime. Ohio State needed the offense to score those three touchdowns as well.

Utah’s offense dominated the Buckeye defense in the first half, building an early 21-7 lead and a 25-21 lead at halftime.

This game could have been much different if it had not been for the Buckeyes’ offense keeping them within two scores. If CJ Stroud and the Ohio State offense does not score 21 points in the first half, they might not have been able to come back and win the game late in the fourth quarter.

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