Ohio State quarterback J.T. Barrett was named Offensive MVP, while cornerback Eli Apple was named Defensive MVP of the Buckeyes' 44-28 win over Notre Dame in the Fiesta Bowl Saturday.
Barrett finished the game 19 of 31 passing for 211 yards and a first quarter touchdown toss, while rushing 23 times for 96 yards.
Barrett accounted for 20 touchdowns (11 rushing and nine passing) in his final seven games, only three of which saw him start. The redshirt-sophomore improved to 15-2 as Ohio State's starting quarterback.
Apple finished the game with five tackles – four solo – and a pass breakup, largely limiting the impact of standout Notre Dame wide receiver Will Fuller, who did finish with six receptions for 113 yards, but only 32 of those yards going against Apple.
Other standouts in the Buckeyes' win include running back Ezekiel Elliott, who finished with 149 yards and four touchdowns (the four touchdowns tied an Ohio State postseason record) and linebacker Darron Lee, who recorded seven solo tackles, two sacks, two TFLs and a forced fumble.
