Ohio State beats Notre Dame in Fiesta Bowl

Ohio State’s first drive of the third quarter ended in a Barrett interception, and Kizer turned it into a touchdown pass to Chris Brown to bring the Irish within a score at 28-21. Bosa, RB Ezekiel Elliot and QB Cardale Jones have declared for the NFL Draft, coach Urban Meyer said Thursday. He’s been tapped as a first-round lock – and likely first overall pick – in the NFL Draft. Kizer has 10 rushing touchdowns this season, a school record for a quarterback.NOTES: Notre Dame LB and Butkus Award victor Jaylon Smith, the Irish’s leading tackler with 113, was helped off the field with an apparent lower-leg injury midway through the first quarter.

_On the DL: Smith’s replacement, Te’Von Coney, was injured in the first play of the second quarter and was replaced by Jarrett Grace.

Widely projected as the number one overall prospect in this year’s class, Bosa indicated he would make his final decision after the Fiesta Bowl game. The Wolverines wiped out the stinging memory of the 42-13 loss to Ohio State in the 2015 regular-season finale. They played down to their talent level all season until they got their wake-up call vs the Spartans and suddenly looked like the team we thought they would be in wins against MI and Notre Dame.

After forcing a second straight punt from the Fighting Irish, the Buckeyes needed just three plays to push their lead out to 14-0 early in the first quarter of the game.

Notre Dame took advantage of Ohio State’s Bosa-less defense a few times, though not enough to keep pace with the Buckeyes.

The win gave Ohio State’s 18 seniors 50 career victories, matching the FBS record for most wins in a four-year period.

Instead they’re battling OSU in a game that should prove more entertaining than the blowout College Football Playoff semifinals yesterday.

“Couldn’t be more proud of the football team”, Kelly said. Elliott rushed for 149 yards and four touchdowns.

Defensive lineman Sheldon Day was not at full strength but made it through his final college game. “He’s a physical back”.

After a quiet first three quarters, Will Fuller finally got a chance to show off his speed, using a quick move to create space before racing off on an 81-yard touchdown. “He did some special things with his feet today”.

The Buckeyes (12-1) rolled past the Fighting Irish (10-3), compiling 496 total yards.

“I like where we are, we’re going to keep banging at the door”, Kelly said following the game.

The Irish haven’t given up yet, buuuuuuut nobody would blame them if they did, considering.