2. It might not have been a College Football Playoff game, but …
It should’ve been a College Football Playoff game.
Off-topic for a moment, imagine if this type of game was part of an expanded 12-team playoff? As is it was an all-time great bowl game, but the intensity and the stakes would’ve gone up a whole other level if …
That’s for another day. As is, it was everything you could’ve wanted.
Lots and lots of offense, lots and lots of big plays, drama, momentum swings, and performances that will be remembered for forever.
Stroud and Smith-Njigba will be the signature stars, but before getting hurt, Utah QB Cameron Rising was 17-of-22 for 214 yards and two scores, and he ran for a game-high 92 yards and a score.
Ohio State PK Noah Ruggles hit the game-winning field goal, Utah P Cameron Peasley was solid at getting the ball inside the 20, Utah TE Brant Kuithe caught six passes for 77 yards, and on and on and on.
Close to 1,200 yards of total offense, over ten yards per pass attempt combined, well over five yards per carry, and it all happened in …
Rose Bowl 5 Thoughts
5. Ohio State still had guys
4. The Jaxon Smith-Njigba performance
3. Utah couldn’t deliver the knockout punch
1. The Rose Bowl is still the Rose Bowl