In a game that showcased the defensive prowess of the players, Washington State cornerback Chau Smith-Wade emerged as a key figure, returning an interception 83 yards to set up a game-changing score in the Senior Bowl. The National team secured a 16-7 victory over the American team in an eventful matchup in Mobile, Alabama on Saturday.
Smith-Wade's interception came in the final two minutes of the game, as he sprawled out to pick off a deep pass from Tennessee's Joe Milton III. Initially hesitating, thinking he was down, Smith-Wade quickly realized he could continue running as per NFL rules. Shaking off a tackle attempt, he cut across the field, only to be stopped by TCU running back Emani Bailey at the 1-yard line with 1:38 left on the clock.
Reflecting on the exhilarating play, Smith-Wade expressed his realization of the NFL's stricter rules, stating, 'I got up and it’s not college anymore where you’re down. You’ve got to be down by contact now. So I got up, I started to celebrate a little bit and my teammates were like, ‘Go, go, go.''
Although the offense failed to capitalize on Smith-Wade's impressive run, Joshua Karty of Stanford made three crucial field goals, scoring from distances of 19, 37, and 52 yards. These accurate kicks played a pivotal role in securing the National team's victory.
Smith-Wade didn't stop at just one interception; he went on to nab his second on a Hail Mary pass thrown into the end zone by Tulane's Michael Pratt. This display of exceptional defensive skills further solidified Smith-Wade's standout performance, earning him the title of the National team's player of the game.
While the quarterbacks in this Senior Bowl game did not have a significant impact, with limited playing time for the top-rated passers, there were still notable moments. Washington's Michael Penix Jr., the Heisman Trophy runner-up, chose not to participate in the game itself. However, he did engage in practices throughout the week following his impressive performance in leading the Huskies to the national championship game.
Other notable quarterbacks included Oregon's Bo Nix, who made just two series appearances, completing 4 of 5 passes for 21 yards. Nix's final play resulted in a 2-yard touchdown pass to Minnesota tight end Brevyn Spann-Ford, the American team's only touchdown of the game. Spencer Rattler from South Carolina also played two series and completed all four of his passes for 65 yards. Rattler's efforts earned him the Game MVP honors, despite being on the losing team.
Aside from the quarterbacks, the defensive players showcased their skills throughout the game. Joe Milton III, representing the American team, completed 9 of 13 passes for 80 yards but was intercepted twice. Sam Hartman from Notre Dame played most of the game for the National team, going 7 of 25 for 69 yards with one interception.
Highlighting other notable performances, TCU's Emani Bailey stood out with four runs and a catch, totaling 35 yards on the American team's initial five plays. In the end, Bailey accumulated 53 rushing yards on 10 carries and added four catches for 34 more yards. On the defensive side, Tykee Smith from Georgia was named the American team's MVP after breaking up three passes.
Braden Fiske, a Florida State defensive tackle, switched teams on the morning of the game due to roster attrition. Despite the change, Fiske showed his impact on the National team, making four tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and contributing to a sack.
The Senior Bowl game witnessed a sold-out crowd for the first time since 2010, further emphasizing the excitement surrounding the event. To pay homage to the late Mobile native Jimmy Buffett, players donned helmets with stickers depicting a parrot enjoying a margarita.
The Senior Bowl provided an excellent platform for NFL prospects to showcase their skills, with the defensive players ultimately stealing the show in an entertaining contest. The standout performance by Chau Smith-Wade and the National team's collective efforts led to a well-deserved 16-7 victory over the American team.
