It’s the final week of the 2021 Ohio State football season, and we’re in Los Angeles to watch it all unfold.

Although we arrived in California one day later than expected thanks to travel issues, both members of the Real Pod Wednesdays crew are in Los Angeles to cover the Rose Bowl, and we spent the entirety of this week’s show previewing Saturday’s clash between Ohio State and Utah.

First up, we talk about the biggest news of the week so far – that Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, Nicholas Petit-Frere and Haskell Garrett are opting out of the Rose Bowl – and debate whether the absences at wide receiver or on the line of scrimmage will affect the Buckeyes more. We also talk about four other potential player absences – Sevyn Banks, Cody Simon, Antwuan Jackson and Marcus Williamson – and who will need to step up for the Buckeyes to replace those who will be unavailable.

Then, we dive deeper into the matchup with Utah, looking at why the Utes will present another massive test for Ohio State’s run defense – and why stopping the run will be the key to a victory for the Buckeyes – and where Utah’s defense will test the Buckeyes most and where it could be most susceptible.

Beginning at the 41:35 mark, we make our predictions for how the Rose Bowl will play out. While we’re both predicting very similar final scores for Saturday’s game, we disagree on which team will come out on top in what we both believe will be a close contest.

Finally, we discuss why it’s likely Ohio State’s future plan for its coaching staff will be revealed much sooner than later after the Rose Bowl even though we haven’t yet heard who will be leaving the staff and who else (if anyone) Jim Knowles could bring with him.