Bo Nix was named the Offensive MVP of the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl on Monday after helping the eighth-ranked Oregon Ducks to a 45-6 dismantling of the 23rd-ranked Liberty Flames.

Nix, the Ducks’ super-senior quarterback, was playing in the final game of his historic college career. It was a game he didn’t need to be in. It was a game he chose to be in. Throughout, he threw for 363 yards to set an Oregon single-season program record, passed for five touchdowns to set an Oregon single-season program record, and completed 28 of his 35 throws to set an NCAA single-season record for completion percentage.

After the win, Nix joined ESPN’s Kris Budden on the field and was asked what it meant to him to get to play in one final game for the Ducks.

“It’s meant the world,” he said. “It’s just such a great opportunity for me to be able to come out here and play with such an incredible team. The coaches that we have and the year that we had, I felt it was only right that I come out here and play one more time.

“I couldn’t wait for this game, to get out here, and to play one more time. I think it just summed everything up with my college career. I wouldn’t have been here without those guys, so it was the least I could do to show my appreciation.”

Nix transferred to Oregon ahead of the 2022 season. He signed with Auburn in the 2019 class and spent three seasons on the plains as the starter. When he left, some had doubts about his ability to be a winning quarterback at the major Power Five level.

Two years later, those doubts seem silly.

“It’s been one of the best decisions I could have ever made,” Nix said of picking the Ducks. I think the history and the tradition of this university and this team, to be able to represent it in the way that we did, it’s an honor to me. I’m just extremely blessed and fortunate. The Lord ordered my steps and all I had to do was just follow.

“He’s been so good to me, probably too good to be honest with you, but I wouldn’t trade the last two years for anything.”

And after his final game, he has one final game ball to add to what has become a hefty collection.

“I got a few of them in college,” he said, “but this one’s definitely special.”