McGlynn Goes Out A Winner

Former Pitt offensive lineman Mike McGlynn ended his college football career on a winning note, as his South squad won the most thrilling Senior Bowl in history and first to be decided on the game's final play.

Florida's Andre Caldwell scoring on a two-yard touchdown run as time expired and Georgia kicker Brandon Coutu kicking the extra point to secure a 17-16 victory before the 14th straight sellout at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile, Ala.

Tennessee quarterback Erik Ainge led the South on a 14 play, 86-yard drive in the game's final 2:48 to give the South its first win in four years. Tulane's Matt Forte was the game's leading rusher with 59 yards and caught four passes for 38 yards, including a key 13-yard reception on the game's winning drive to win the overall Most Valuable Player award.

According to Scout.com, McGlynn and UTEP's O'Niel Cousins "were two wide bodies who impressed me in each practice session viewed.'' Even though NFL.com noted that this is not expected to be a good draft for offensive linemen, the group's play at the Senior Bowl picked up dramatically at midweek with McGlynn making a big jump.

"Guards Mike McGlynn from Pittsburgh and USC's Drew Radovich stepped up against a front seven that was playing on the balls of their feet and coming off the ball looking for the runner,'' The Web site noted.

McGlynn's poor physique also came into question throughout the past week, but his work ethic and success rate were never in doubt.

"Coaches love players like that,'' NFL.com said. "During the 9-on-7 drills he reminded so much of guard Chris Snee of the New York Giants, trying to finish every defender right up to the whistle and quietly going back to the huddle. Someone said they had a fourth-round grade on him coming in, but it's agreed that his performance put him into the third (round).''

Other MVP's were Ainge for the South offense and LSU linebacker Ali Highsmith, who had four tackles for the South defense. Michigan's Chad Henne threw two TD passes to win MVP honors for the North offense and USC's Sedrick Ellis had two tackles, a sack and was credited with a North safety to earn the North's defensive MVP honors.

Linebacker Dan Connor of Penn State and Dominic Rodgers-Cromartie of Tennessee State were presented awards by the game's sponsor. Notre Dame's Trevor Laws was the Most Outstanding Lineman and Irish teammate Tom Zbikowski won the Long Distance Play award with a 38-yard kickoff return.

San Francisco 49ers coach Mike Nolan and his staff guided the South squad, while Oakland Raiders coach Lane Kiffin and his staff led the North.