MOBILE, Ala. — Boise State quarterback Kellen Moore helped beat the Georgia Bulldogs twice this past season.
Moore completed 82.4 percent of his passes in the Broncos’ season-opening defeat of Georgia, which got the attention of his friend Kirk Cousins, the Michigan State quarterback.
When Cousins learned he would face Georgia in the Outback Bowl, he contacted Moore.
“I wanted to get a good feel for what they were all about,” Cousins said. “After we played them, I came away from that game thinking, ‘Boy, everything he told me was spot on.’ He’s a student of the game. He knows what he’s talking about.”
Moore said he considered the talk “more reassurance than anything.”
Cousins wasn’t specific about Moore’s information, but he’s convinced it helped. The Spartans rallied to beat the Bulldogs 33-30 in triple overtime. Cousins was 27-of-50 for 300 yards with a touchdown and three interceptions.
“I was glad I called and picked his brain because I think he helped contribute to a Michigan State win,” Cousins said.
Cousins and Moore are playing together on the North team this week at the Senior Bowl. They became friends last summer at the Manning and Elite 11 quarterback camps.
Their former teams will clash Aug. 31 in the 2012 season opener, while they likely watch from NFL cities.
“I really haven’t thought about that,” Moore said. “We’ll certainly have to have a conversation.”
Said Cousins: “I know he’s not going to give me any more tips when it comes to the next Michigan State game. … It will be a great atmosphere in Spartan Stadium, I can guarantee you that. What a way to kick off the college football season.”
WEDNESDAY’S HIGHLIGHTS
The five Broncos at the Senior Bowl performed well in Wednesday’s North practice, the second and final workout in full pads. Here’s how the four other than tailback Doug Martin (see story, Sports 1) fared:
Moore: He didn’t get as many opportunities to throw against the defense as Tuesday, but he looked good in live situations. He was 2-for-3 in 7-on-7 and 2-for-3 in 11-on-11. He rolled to his left and fired a deep out pass during 11-on-11, a pass that arrived just as the receiver finished his route. One knock on Moore this week has been his inability to connect on vertical passes — several have sailed over receivers’ heads as he tries to nail down the timing.
Shea McClellin, defensive end/linebacker: McClellin continued to impress with his versatility. He’s spending nearly all of his time at inside linebacker to show scouts and coaches that he can play there if necessary, and he has taken advantage of his limited opportunities to rush off the edge.
Billy Winn, defensive tackle: Winn caught several draft analysts’ attention with his athleticism and explosiveness Wednesday after a ho-hum outing on Tuesday. His agility at nearly 300 pounds is coveted. “Best day yet and better than much of the (2011) tape I’ve seen,” ESPN analyst Todd McShay tweeted. “Quick hands. Owned (Wisconsin guard Kevin) Zeitler on a couple 1-on-1s.”
George Iloka, safety: Iloka enters the NFL at a time when teams are desperate for players with his skill set — good size and speed with the ability to cover the slot receivers and tight ends that are giving defenses fits. “When you’re a big body and you have length and you can cover grass, it’s definitely an advantage for us,” Vikings and North defensive backs coach Joe Woods said. Iloka grabbed an interception Tuesday but didn’t have any chances at the ball Wednesday.
ANOTHER INVITE FOR MOORE
Moore will participate in the 14th annual All-Star Football Challenge next week in Indianapolis. The show will be taped Feb. 2 and air at 2 p.m. Feb. 5 (Super Bowl Sunday) on ESPN2.
Twelve players are expected to participate, including Arizona quarterback Nick Foles.
Two Broncos participated in previous years — quarterback Jared Zabransky (2007) and wide receiver Austin Pettis (2011).
REDSKINS REMEMBER
The Vikings beat the Redskins 33-26 on Christmas Eve at FedExField, making the Senior Bowl a rematch of sorts for the coaching staffs.
“Since we can’t beat the Vikings in the regular season, we’re going to get after their North squad,” Redskins and South coach Mike Shanahan said with a chuckle Wednesday as Vikings coach Leslie Frazier exited the press conference room.
