Utah CB Clark Phillips III Forces Fumble To Prevent Ohio State TD In Rose Bowl Game
Jan 1, 2022, 5:01 PM
Clark Phillips III #8 of the Utah Utes breaks up a pass intended for Jaxon Smith-Njigba #11 of the Ohio State Buckeyes during the first quarter in the Rose Bowl Game at Rose Bowl Stadium on January 01, 2022 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
(Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
PASADENA, Calif. – Utah Utes cornerback Clark Phillips prevented a touchdown by the Ohio State Buckeyes with a forced fumble during the Rose Bowl Game.
The No. 11 Utes played the No. 6 Buckeyes at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California on Saturday, January 1.
With 4:40 left in the second quarter, Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud connected with wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba for 49 yards before Phillips chased on the Buckeyes wideout.
Phillips punched the ball free before Smith-Njigba reached the goal line. The pigskin bounced into the end zone and was recovered by Utah’s Cole Bishop.
SMITH-NJIGBA FUMBLES INTO THE END ZONE AND UTAH RECOVERS.#RoseBowl🌹 pic.twitter.com/3LYYnWLPUY
— CFB Kings (@CFBKings) January 1, 2022
A score by Smith-Njigba would have cut Utah’s lead to seven points. Phillips’ play kept the Utes’ advantage at 35-21.
Utah took the 14-point lead into the locker room at halftime.
LOTS of touchdowns in the second quarter.#GoUtes #RoseBowl pic.twitter.com/4cdVq3QCOl
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) January 1, 2022
At the break, Phillips had two total tackles, one solo tackle, one pass breakup, and a forced fumble.
The former Ohio State verbal commit entered the game with 56 total tackles, 41 solo tackles, one interception, 12 pass breakups, and a touchdown for the Utes this season.
Clark Phillips popped the ball out of Smith-Njigba's hands and Cole Bishop recovers in the end zone. Could be a big play if Utah can get in the end zone.#GoUtes #RoseBowl @kslsports
— Trevor Allen (@TrevorASports) January 1, 2022
The Rose Bowl Game between Utah and Ohio State is broadcast on ESPN and 700 AM.
