Carson, CA (Sports Network) - Washington State quarterback Jeff Tuel finished
a perfect 8-for-8 passing for 63 yards and a score to lead the National team
to a 34-0 victory over the American team in the second annual NFLPA Collegiate
Bowl at the Home Depot Center.
Kansas signal-caller Dayne Crist also tossed a touchdown pass on 7-of-10
efficiency, while Texas Tech running back Eric Stephens Jr. rushed for 32
yards and a score on 12 carries for the National team.
Vanderbilt quarterback Jordan Rodgers finished 8-of-11 passing for 87 yards
and Georgia Tech running back Orwin Smith added eight carries for 40 yards in
a losing effort.
The National team struck first with a 14-play scoring drive spanning the first
and second quarters that Crist capped with a 1-yard TD surge for a 7-0 lead
less than three minutes into the second.
After a quick three-and-out from the American squad, Miami-Florida running
back Mike James broke free for 16 yards to the American seven before Crist
found Rice tight end Luke Wilson for a 7-yard TD to make it 14-0 with 7:25
left in the second quarter.
South Carolina kicker Adam Yates buried a 41-yard field goal on the National
team's next touch to make it 17-0 heading into the locker room.
Yates then knocked down a 40-yarder early in the third, and after Jakar
Hamilton fumbled the ensuing kickoff, Tuel found Norfolk State wide receiver
Xavier Boyce for a 9-yard touchdown to push the margin to 27-0 with under
seven minutes left in the third.
Following an Isi Sofele fumble early in the fourth, Stephens carried it across
the goal line from one yard out to account for the final margin.
GAME NOTES:
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