Ohio State Buckeyes Need Youngsters to Step Up vs Utah Utes in The Rose Bowl
By Charles Jay
The Rose Bowl is the “granddaddy of them all” when it comes to bowl games. We know that already. But that doesn’t mean it’s going to carry all the prestige and importance in the world for some of the more talented players in the college game. We keep that in mind as we make our Rose Bowl Predictions, because the Ohio State Buckeyes will be without several All-American performers as they take the field in Pasadena against the Utah Utes.
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Kickoff for the game, which will be televised by ESPN, is at 5 PM ET, and at BetOnline, the Buckeyes will be the favorites:
Ohio State Buckeyes -3.5 (-115)
Utah Utes +3.5 (-105)
Over 64 Points -108
Under 64 Points -112
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Rose Bowl Predictions — Who’s Out For Ohio State?
Well, namely wide receivers Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave, who were both named onto All-America teams. This is significant, because they are also likely first-round NFL draftees. And that is what they are leaving the team early for; they are looking to improve their chances, so they are preparing.
Another significant absence is left tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere, who is considered one of the two or three best at his position in the college game. If you’re analyzing this game, you know that it is important to keep CJ Stroud protected, and having their All-America tackle out will force the Buckeyes to shift things around up front.
Haskell Garrett, an All-American at defensive tackle, has also opted out.
It should be mentioned that there are no opt-outs of any significance for Utah, as rumors abound that Kyle Whittingham, one of the top bowl coaches for much of his career, may be retiring.
Rose Bowl Predictions — How will the Buckeyes manage?
The situation with the receivers is something that the Buckeyes could conceivably address, with aplomb. But there is no question that they need youngsters to step up in a big way.
Ohio State is going to get its share of top recruits, and the receivers who were ranked at the top of both the 2020 and 2021 class were snared by head coach Ryan Day.
Julian Fleming has not been very productive, with only seven catches. Freshman Emeka Egbuka had just six receptions, and has made his mark mostly on special teams (averaging 32 yards per kick return). Marvin Harrison (five receptions) is also expected to contribute. He is the son of Marvin Harrison, who was Peyton Manning’s favorite receiver with the Colts.
At left tackle, Ohio State will simply shift Thayer Munford over there. He was All-Big 10 and a preseason All-American there, but got moved to the right side. Now he’ll go back.
Rose Bowl Predictions — Frosh weapons still there
Stroud threw for 3862 yards and 38 touchdowns this season, and was intercepted just five times. He’s deadly accurate too (71%), and was the Heisman front-runner until the Buckeyes screwed the pooch against Michigan in the regular season finale (losing 42-27).
Running back Treveyon Henderson is still in place. He had 1172 yards, averaging seven per carry, with 15 TD’s for the Buckeyes this season.
Rose Bowl Predictions — Our conclusion
Ohio State has a number of youngsters who Ryan Day hopes are going to come through big, but that doesn’t mean they have a track record to go on. Maybe they lean on Henderson more than usual.
And Utah may be the team that plays the role of “battering ram.” At the very least, they should attempt to kill clock.
Not sure this is a big recommendation on the underdog, but we would side with the UNDER on the Ohio State team total, which is at 34 points.
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