Backup quarterback Bryson Barnes, playing in place of the injured Cameron Rising, led a game-tying drive with two minutes left in the fourth quarter. In the second half, Utah was limited to 10 points. The Buckeyes trailed 14-0 early, and 35-21 at the half as their much maligned defense struggled to stop anything Utah did on offense. Stroud completed 37 of 46 passes for 573 yards, six touchdowns and one interception. In a game in which Ohio State was without potential first-round picks Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave, Smith-Njigba - who also set new single-season program records for yards and receptions - and a trio of freshmen receivers showed that the future of the position is still bright in Columbus. Noah Ruggles, the transfer kicker from North Carolina who blossomed into a Groza Award Finalist this year, kicked the game-winning field goal with nine seconds left. Smith-Njigba's 347 yards are fifth-most in any FBS game ever the record is 405.

He also tied his own single-game program record with 15 receptions and scored three times. Ohio State wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba set a new bowl record, as well as a program single-game record for receiving yards with 347, in a 48-45 Rose Bowl win against Utah.

Record for most passing yards in a game