The fourth NFLPA Collegiate Bowl is in the books, as the National team took down the American team, 17-0. It wasn't a close game, nor was it necessarily all that exciting as far as the offensive side of the ball was concerned. Neither team's quarterbacks looked particularly good, and accordingly, the receivers and tight ends had relatively quiet games.
NFLPA Collegiate Bowl 2015 final score: Marcus Rush impresses as National bests American, 17-0
Offense was at a premium as the National team took down the American Team 17-0 in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl on Saturday.
Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Still, the National team out-gained the American team on the ground by a significant margin, putting up 189 yards while the Americans couldn't make it to triple digits. Terell Watson of Azusa Pacific put up 55 yards and a touchdown on nine carries; meanwhile, the much more talked-about prospect, Prince-Tyson Gulley of Syracuse, carried the ball just five times for the American team. He only managed 11 yards on those carries.
Gulley could be drafted at some point in April, and he was impressive in practice prior to the game. He probably didn't touch the football enough to really hurt his stock on Saturday, but given that he's a fringe player he also did nothing to help it. Marshall quarterback Rakeem Cato was one of the top prospects set to play in this game, and he also struggled. He completed 5-of-10 passes for just 31 yards, and carried the ball four times for 15 yards. In an already weak quarterback class, Cato failed to distinguish himself in any way.
On the defensive side of the ball, Michigan State defensive end Marcus Rush was the definitive player to watch. He lived up to his expectations, getting a big sack on Cole Stoudt and generally getting pressure when he was on the field. He should be drafted in April, and while he doesn't have the highlight reel sacks, he was very active and all over the field on Saturday.
Another big name in the game, wide receiver Chris Conley from Georgia, caught two passes for 45 yards. He also had a good week of practice and probably helped his stock a little bit. Other than those players, though, there weren't a whole lot of things worth writing home about. No player really stood out to help or hurt his stock at the end of the day.
The college football world will now turn to the Senior Bowl later in January, following this game and the East-West Shrine Game on Saturday. The Senior Bowl is the biggest of the three games, and is set for Sat., Jan. 24.
See More:
