Washington State cornerback Chau Smith-Wade returned an interception 83 yards in the final two minutes to set up a decisive score and secure the National's 16-7 victory over the American team in the Senior Bowl on Saturday. In a game dominated by the defenses, Smith-Wade sprawled out to pick off a deep ball from Tennessee's Joe Milton III. He hesitated momentarily before realizing he wasn't officially down under NFL rules. Then he shook off one tackle attempt on the right sideline and cut back across the field before TCU running back Emani Bailey stopped him at the 1 with 1:38 left.
The Senior Bowl quarterbacks are a well-traveled group, most of whom have moved from one Power Five program to another. Led by Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. and Oregon’s Bo Nix, all seven have spent this week leading up to Saturday’s Senior Bowl working on their next landing spot. “It’s all about preparation,” said Penix, who led the Huskies to the national championship game.
Quarterbacks Michael Penix Jr. and Bo Nix became Heisman finalists after heading to other schools. Cody Schrader went from Division II to Southeastern Conference stardom. None have more experience mastering new offenses than Nix, who became a star passer and potential first-round NFL draft pick after transferring from Auburn to Oregon.