Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith became the frontrunner of the 2006 Heisman race, after he completed 19 of his 28 passes for 342 yards, including 2 touchdowns and no interceptions.
Then with just over 2 minutes to go in the half, Troy Smith found Santonio Holmes for an 85-yard touchdown pass, and Ohio State led 21–7 at half-time.
Notre Dame's defense forced two Ohio State field goals to make the score 27–13.
On third and five, with Ohio State using up the clock, the Buckeyes scored on a 60-yard touchdown run by Antonio Pittman to clinch the victory.
The Fiesta Bowl was left to take the 2 teams that earned BCS at-large bids, Ohio State of the Big Ten Conference and independent Notre Dame.