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WATCH: Utah player throws punch in post Rose Bowl congratulatory huddle

275133747_4796292347117549_592518599057046758_nby:Jonathan Wagner•01/02/22•

Jonathan Wagner

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Kevork Djansezian via Getty Images.

Utah was able to hang with Ohio State in the Rose Bowl on Saturday night, but ultimately the Buckeyes came away with a 48-45 victory. In the postgame congratulatory huddle on the field, however, Utah defensive lineman Tevita Fotu threw a punch at Ohio State players.

Fotu, who was not dressed out for the game, has not seen any action with the Utes this season. He originally signed with Utah in 2018 before he left on a church mission and played at Snow College in 2019.

The Rose Bowl was an offensive battle between Utah, Ohio State

There was not a lot of defense played on Saturday night. Ohio State and Utah combined for 93 points and over 1,100 total yards. On Utah’s side, quarterback Cameron Rising threw for 214 yards and two touchdowns, adding 11 carries for 92 yards and another score. Rising was injured late in the game, but backup and former walk-on quarterback Bryson Barnes threw a beautiful touchdown to tie the game late. Running back Tavion Thomas also had 18 carries for 67 yards and a touchdown.

But the story of the Rose Bowl was Ohio State’s passing game against Utah. With Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson opting out, Jaxon Smith-Njigba was left to lead Ohio State’s receiving room. Smith-Njigba did just that, hauling in 15 receptions for 347 yards and three touchdowns, setting the all-time bowl game receiving yards record. Marvin Harrison Jr. also had 71 yards and three touchdowns. Quarterback C.J. Stroud threw for 573 yards and six touchdowns.

Both Ohio State head coach Ryan Day and Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham were critical of their team’s defense at halftime of the Rose Bowl. For Whittingham, he said that it looked like Utah wasn’t prepared.

“It looks like we’ve never practiced kicking off and never practiced pass defense,” said Whittingham of Utah’s blown coverages. “We’ve gotta get that shored up. We’re getting wrapped with the under coverage at times and they’re just plain getting behind us at other times. So we’ve gotta figure some things out.”