Bech Scores Late TD as American Team Wins Senior Bowl

©️Dominic Ambrose-College Football Dawgs

MOBILE, Ala — Overcoming a slow start and an 11-point deficit, the American team won the 76th edition of the Senior Bowl dramatically 22-19 on Saturday, Feb. 1.

After cutting the National team's lead to three points, the American team got possession back with 2:32 left in the fourth quarter. Twelve plays later, quarterback Seth Henigan connected with receiver Jack Bech on a game-winning, 2-yard touchdown pass to earn the victory.

Game Summary

The National team opened the scoring with a 10-play, 77-yard drive after receiving the opening kickoff. The drive was highlighted by running back Ollie Gordon II connecting with receiver Jayden Higgins on a 32-yard touchdown play. A 2-point conversion helped put the National team up 8-0. Following a series of punts by both teams, the National team turned the ball over on downs. The American team capitalized on a short field, driving 46 yards in three plays to tie the score at 8-8 in the second quarter. The drive was highlighted by quarterback Jaxson Dart's 7-yard TD run.

The third quarter saw only a single scoring drive when the National team added a 39-yard field goal by Ryan Fitzgerald to make the score 11-8.

The fourth quarter began with the National team's Junior Tafuna recovering a fumble on the American's 24-yard line. Five plays later, quarterback Tyler Shough found receiver Da'Quan Felton on a 1-yard TD pass and a 2-point conversion put the National team up 19-8.

But the American team answered. Running back RJ Harvey hit receiver Tai Felton on a 25-yard TD pass. The 2-point conversion made it 19-16.

After a punt and two drives ending with turnovers on downs, the American team had a chance with 2:32 left in the fourth quarter. Henigan drove the American's offense 85 yards downfield until he connected with Bech for the game-winning TD as time expired.

Senior Bowl Highlight of the Game

Bech scored the game-winning TD while wearing his brother's jersey number. After losing his brother Tiger a month prior in the car attack in New Orleans, Jack honored his brother by wearing his No. 7. By scoring the winning TD to highlight his game-best 6-reception, 68-yard performance, Bech's play earned him the game's MVP award.