Senior Bowl 2018: Josh Allen, Kyle Lauletta shine – Recap and highlights

In the much anticipated 2018 Senior Bowl game, it was the North that defeated the South 45-16. Here’s a look at everything that happened.

After an entire week of practice with players surrounded by media, scouts, coaches and front office personnel, they finally got the chance to take the field in the Senior Bowl today. On a rainy day in Mobile, Alabama it was the South that won convincingly 45-16 over the North.

With all the hype surrounding the North quarterbacks, it was the South that got on the board first. Western Kentucky’s Mike White found UCF’s Tre’Quan Smith on a 14-yard pitch and catch to take a 7-0 lead.

Oklahoma Heisman trophy winner Baker Mayfield appeared in two series for the North, going three-and-out along with setting Michael Badgley up for a 50-yard field goal. He left before the first half was over to be with his ill mother.

It wasn’t until a quarter later that we finally saw more touchdowns. Virginia’s Kurt Benkert found San Diego State running back Rashaad Penny down the sideline as he burst past multiple defenders for the 73-yard touchdown. After a two-point conversion, the South team took an 18-3 lead at halftime.

These All-Star games always prove to be low-scoring but little did we know that was going to change in the second half.

Wyoming’s Josh Allen wasn’t expected to get much playing time after the first two quarters but did himself justice coming out for three more drives. Allen led the South team on two straight touchdown drives, finishing both with impressive throws. The first came on a fantastic 16-yard touch pass to Central Michigan tight end Tyler Conklin. Allen followed that with a 34-yard dart to Notre Dame touchdown Durham Smythe.

It’s easy to say Allen shut up some doubters today with his accuracy.

But we talked about the success of the South quarterbacks today and that was on full display from Richmond’s Kyle Lauletta. The CAA product had a fantastic collegiate career and that showed on the field today. Lauletta finished the day 8-of-12 for 198 passing yards and three touchdowns. He was balling in the second half and earned MVP honors for his performance.

LSU wide receiver DJ Chark was a major beneficiary of Lauletta’s success and led all receivers with five catches for 160 receiving yards and this 75-yard touchdown midway through the third quarter.

A late 19-yard touchdown by UTSA’s Marcus Davenport wasn’t enough to bring the North back as the South handled their business with a dominant second half. It wasn’t a great day for cornerbacks but this year’s Senior Bowl was nothing short of exciting with plenty of offense for our viewing pleasure.

Next: 2018 East-West Shrine Game: 5 Players who improved stock

One game doesn’t define a career but there were plenty of players who boosted their draft stock heading into April’s draft. The offseason is just kicking into gear with the NFL combine and pro days right around the corner.