For much of the first half 2022 Rose Bowl, Ohio State football faced an uphill battle against Utah.
The Buckeyes trailed 21-7 midway through the second quarter, but then the 7-11 connection of quarterback C.J. Stroud and wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, took the game over.
The pair combined for two 50-plus yard touchdown scores, but that was just the beginning of their day. They’d hook up once again in the 4th quarter to finally give Ohio State a lead at 45-38 and eventually escape with the win.
Both players put up video game stats, with Stroud throwing for 573 yard and six touchdowns, while Smith-Njigba caught 15 receptions for 347 yards and three scores. The 7-11 connection was born on that night and the Big Ten Network celebrated by sharing highlights of their record setting game.
Today is 7️⃣/1️⃣1️⃣.
We like to celebrate with C.J. Stroud (37-46, 573 yds, 6 TD) & JSN's (15 rec., 347 yds, 3 TD) record-breaking 2022 @rosebowlgame. 😲#B1GFootball x @OhioStateFB pic.twitter.com/aePfIrnFKB
— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) July 11, 2024
Stroud’s passing numbers were a school record, while his six touchdowns tied for the record. Both were Rose Bowl bests, and he just missed the bowl record for passing yards by three.
Smith-Njigba did set the bowl record for receiving yards and a school record with the 15 catches.
It was a magical night for Ohio State, and it’s great to be able to celebrate the tandems impressive stats on 7-11.
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