Rose Bowl 2022: Examining Key Stats, Matchups for Utah vs. Ohio State | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors

Tavion Thomas spent his first two college seasons at Cincinnati. Then he transferred to Independence Community College before heading to Utah ahead of the 2021 campaign. However, there was once a time when the talented running back had hoped he would be playing at Ohio State.

A native of Dayton, Ohio, Thomas had planned to sign with the Buckeyes in 2018, but they wanted him to start at a junior college. He opted to go to Cincinnati instead, choosing to immediately play at the FBS level.

"That was really kind of hard for me," Thomas said, per Joey Kaufman of The Columbus Dispatch. "When they said that, I’m like, 'Man, am I not worthy enough?' I had doubts in my mind and stuff like that."

It's worked out for Thomas, who has had an impressive season for the Utes. In 12 games, he's rushed for 1,041 yards and 20 touchdowns. He's gotten into the end zone in each of his past eight contests, scoring 18 touchdowns over that span.

However, Thomas is going to face a challenge in the Rose Bowl going up against Ohio State's defensive front. The Buckeyes are allowing only 118.5 rushing yards per game, which puts them 19th-best in the country.

If Utah can find a way to get Thomas going, then it should bode well for its offense. He's had no trouble getting into the end zone, especially late in the regular season, which could help the Utes find a way to take down the Buckeyes on Saturday.

So it will be interesting to see how this matchup turns out. Because if Ohio State can shut down Thomas, that could help it secure a Rose Bowl victory.