Ohio State: Elliott’s Record Game Led To A Fiesta Bowl Win

Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Jarrett Grace (59) misses a tackle on Ohio State Buckeyes running back Ezekiel Elliott (15) during the first half in the 2016 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Jarrett Grace (59) misses a tackle on Ohio State Buckeyes running back Ezekiel Elliott (15) during the first half in the 2016 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back Ezekiel Elliott (15) is tackled by Notre Dame Fighting Irish safety Elijah Shumate (22) in the first quarter in the 2016 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /

Rapid Reaction: Second Half

Running back Ezekiel Elliott selfishly should come back to school so he can continue to own bowl games. His 47 yard rushing touchdown will be talked about a bit later, but Elliott’s record-setting four touchdown performance in Glendale, Arizona was a special way to end his Buckeye career.

Aside from the 81 yard score by Notre Dame wide receiver William Fuller, the defense stepped up in the second half. Safety Tyvis Powell intercepted a pass and the 2016 starting defensive line brought down Kizer for  key sacks down the stretch to cement the win.

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Ohio State kicker Sean Nuernberger has not made a field goal all year and that continued into the bowl game. He knocked in three field goals in the fourth quarter to stretch the lead for the Buckeyes. Touchdowns are always better, but the first makes of the year at a position that has frightened Buckeye fans over the last two years had a big impact on sealing a win in the desert.

Shout out to Elyria, Ohio natives and Buckeyes offensive lineman Chase Farris on his final game and to fellow Pioneer and Buckeyes defensive tackle Tracy Sprinkle on his fumble recovery late in the fourth quarter. The fumble recovery essentially sealed the win. Remember, former Buckeye Vic Janowicz, who also was a Heisman Trophy winner, was also from Elyria. I love it when hometown guys do well!

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