Shilo Sanders, Croskey-Merritt Excite CFB Fans as East Beats West in 2025 Shrine Bowl
The East crushed the West 25-0 in the 100th East-West Shrine Bowl, which took place Thursday in AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys.
The bowl annually highlights some of college football's pro prospects en route to the NFL draft. In recent years, NFL stars such as San Francisco 49ers running back Brock Purdy, Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers and Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco have participated in the contest.
This year, Arizona running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt led the East with 97 rushing yards and two scores on just 11 carries.
On defense, East showed no mercy. South Carolina Gamecocks defensive back O'Donnell Fortune took a 65-yard interception to the house for six. That helped the East take a 22-0 halftime lead.
The defensive dominance continued in the second half, with the highlight being a one-handed interception from Ole Miss defensive lineman JJ Pegues.
Colorado safety Shilo Sanders also impressed for East, making plays in the secondary and helping his team pitch a shutout. He played quite well in coverage and served an integral role in the defense's dominance.
He and Croskey-Merritt got much recognition from fans during this big win.
College football showcases will continue Saturday with the Senior Bowl from Mobile, Alabama.
