Senior Bowl Highlights
MOBILE, Alabama — On Saturday, quarterback Garrett Nussmeier of LSU showcased his skills by orchestrating two impressive touchdown drives, ultimately guiding the American team to a 17-9 victory over the National team in this year’s Senior Bowl. Nussmeier set the tone for the game by leading a solid opening drive that spanned 12 plays and covered 68 yards, capped off with a 3-yard rushing touchdown on a read-option play.
Game Overview
The action started with Vanderbilt’s quarterback Diego Pavia leading the National team. His team’s initial momentum was halted after a promising 18-yard completion to Justin Joly from NC State; a fumble by Kentucky’s Seth McGowan followed, leading to a chaotic scramble for the ball. Missouri’s Zion Young was quick to recover the fumble, passing it to Oklahoma defensive tackle Gracen Halton, whose attempt to retain possession was thwarted when Pavia lost it again, allowing the American defense to regain control.
Further into the game, Virginia’s J’Mari Taylor gained substantial ground with three rushes totaling 41 yards, paving the way for Oklahoma’s Jayden Ott to score with a 5-yard touchdown run. Following this, Nussmeier connected with Malachi Fields from Notre Dame to secure a successful two-point conversion, placing the Americans ahead 8-0.
First Half Performance
Throughout the first half, Nussmeier completed 5 of 8 passes for 57 yards, although he did toss one interception. This interception occurred when his throw bounced off John Michael Gyllenborg, a tight end from Wyoming, and was caught by Nebraska’s Deshon Singleton. In a similar turn of events, Baylor’s quarterback Sawyer Robertson also faced an interception when his pass was tipped by Louisville’s Caullin Lacy, leading to an interception by Northwestern’s Fred Davis II for the American team.
As the first half came to a close, BYU kicker Will Ferrin extended the American team’s lead to 17-0 with a 40-yard field goal late in the second quarter.
Second Half Developments
Pavia re-entered the game with just over six minutes remaining in the third quarter, continuing into the fourth. He managed to orchestrate a drive that was propelled by McGowan’s 29-yard run, culminating in a 52-yard field goal from Iowa’s Drew Stevens, narrowing the score to 17-3. For the game, Pavia completed 10 of 13 passes, accumulating 78 yards.
Standout Performers
One of the standout performers was Michigan receiver Donaven McCulley, who accepted a late invitation to the Senior Bowl and led all receivers with four catches totaling 50 yards. His notable 14-yard reception on the National team’s final drive helped set the stage for a 1-yard touchdown run by FAU’s Kejon Owens, closing the gap to 17-9 and wrapping up the day’s competition at the Senior Bowl.
