Another Super Bowl is in the books, and Pac-12 alumni played a major role in the Seattle Seahawks' 43-8 win over the Denver Broncos. Is it any surprise that the team with the most Pac-12 players won the game? (Hint, hint, Mr. Elway).
In all, there were 16 active players on both rosters: 11 for the Seahawks and five for the Broncos. There are other Pac-12 players on the rosters or practice squads, but they were either injured, suspended or inactive for XLVIII.
The standout was former USC linebacker Malcolm Smith, who was named MVP for an inspired defensive performance. The Pac-12 had hit a bit of an MVP dry spell. After John Elway (Stanford) won the MVP in 1999, the league went more than a decade without having an MVP. Now it has two in the last four years after Aaron Rodgers (Cal) was MVP of XLV, and now it's Smith's turn.
Here’s a look at how the the Pac-12 alumni performed.
Seattle Seahawks
Doug Baldwin, WR, Stanford: Started at wide receiver. Led the Seahawks with five catches for 66 yards, including a 10-yard touchdown. Also had an assisted tackle on special teams.
Derrick Coleman, RB, UCLA: Recorded one tackle on special teams.
Jermaine Kearse, WR, Washington: Caught four balls for 65 yards, including a 24-yard touchdown.
Marshawn Lynch, RB, Cal: Started at running back. Carried 15 times for 39 yards, including a 1-yard touchdown.
Brandon Mebane, DT, Cal: Posted three tackles, including a tackle for a loss.
Zach Miller, TE, ASU: Started at tight end. Had one catch for 10 yards and recovered an onside kick.
Mike Morgan, LB, USC: Appeared, but did not record any stats.
Richard Sherman, CB, Stanford: Started at left cornerback. Posted three tackles (two solo) with one pass defended. Left game with an injury in the fourth quarter.
Malcolm Smith, LB, USC: Crowned Super Bowl MVP. Returned an interception 69 yards for a touchdown and recovered a fumble to go along with 10 tackles (six solo) and a defended pass.
Walter Thurmond, CB, Oregon: Started at cornerback. Posted three tackles (one solo).
Max Unger, C, Oregon: Started at center.
Denver Broncos
C.J. Anderson, RB, Cal: Two carries for 9 yards with a long of 6 yards.
Zane Beadles, OL, Utah: Started at left guard. Recovered a Knowshon Moreno fumble.
Omar Bolden, S, Arizona State: Appeared, but did not record any stats.
Winston Justice, OT, USC: Active, but did not play.
Brock Osweiler, QB, ASU: Active, but did not play.
