Free Pick: Rose Bowl at Pasadena, CA 1/1/22

No.11 UTAH 10-3 vs. No.6 OHIO STATE 10-2

This is a matchup between a red-hot Utah team that has won 9 out of their last 10 games, against an Ohio State team that has been disappointing by their standards. The Utes will have plenty of motivation,as this is their first trip to the Rose Bowl, and a win over Buckeyes might be the biggest win in school history. On the other hand, Ohio State is not playing in the playoffs, therefore making this just an average year. Let’s see what Vegas thinks.

TOTAL TEAM POINTS:

Ohio State: 34.5 Total Team Points They have been able to move the ball and put up points on almost everybody they have played. Quarterback C.J. Stroud has completed 71% of his passes for 3,862 yards and 38 touchdowns. To beat the Buckeyes, you have to put pressure on him and take away the big passing plays to Chris Olave, Jaxon Smith-Njigma, and Garrett Wilson who have combined for 215 catches for a bunch of yards and 31 touchdowns. The Utah team is their usual physical bunch and will bring the heat.] I like Ohio State UNDER 34.5 total team points.

Utah: 29.5 Total Team Points Utah is averaging 35 points and and 429 total yards per game. Quarterback Cameron Risling, has been great since he took over as the starting quarterback and it is no coincidence that is when the Utes got on a roll. They have a very balanced attack and Ohio State has had trouble with physical teams that can run it right at them. That is a matchup to watch. I’ll take Utah slightly OVER 29.5 team points.

OVER/UNDER: 64 Combined Team Points I will say this will be slightly UNDER 64 combined team points and definitely not bet it.

POINT SPREAD: Ohio State is a 4.5-point favorite This is a game that I have went round and round on. I think Ohio State is more talented and more explosive, but they are soft on defense and I’m questioning how much they care about playing this game. On the hand, Utah will bring everything they’ve got and they are a very solid team.

AARON’S PICK: Ohio State -4.5

PAPA DUDES PICK: Utah +4.5