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

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Jan 1, 2022; Pasadena, CA, USA; General view of the field as Utah Utes quarterback Cameron Rising (7) drops back to pass against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the 2022 Rose Bowl college football game at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Halftime speeches do work sometimes

In an interview with ESPN field reporter Holly Rowe, Ohio State head coach Ryan Day said he and his team had a conversation at halftime. The only people who know what was said are associated with the Ohio State football program, but some of it had to be about getting embarrassed.

In the first half, the Buckeyes did not seem to want to be there, especially the defense. The line got no pressure on Utes quarterback Cameron Rising. The Utah running game got what they wanted on the ground.

However, the Buckeyes have the better roster and are the better team; they needed to play like they were. Ohio State’s offense had begun to play well, but the Buckeyes were going to need stops defensively to have an opportunity to take the lead and win this game.

Whatever coach Day said in the locker room worked. The Buckeyes allowed just ten points in the second half, and the Utes did not score a touchdown until late in the fourth quarter. Ohio State forced a fumble and stopped the Utes on downs.

Ohio State’s ability to get critical second-half stops defensively was the reason the Buckeyes were able to win the game late.

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