MOBILE, Ala. - Southeastern Louisiana's Robert Alford returned the opening kickoff 88 yards to set up an early touchdown while adding an interception on a two-point conversion late to help the South claim a 21-16 victory over the North in the 63rd annual Senior Bowl on Saturday at Ladd-Peebles Stadium.

Alford, the second Lion to play in the nation's top college all-star game, capped off a solid week competing against some of the nation's best players and continued his goal of being selected in the upcoming NFL Draft. The Hammond, La., native became the first Lion to play in the game since legendary linebacker Ronnie Hornsby returned an interception in the 1971 game.

Alford took the opening kickoff, ran through a gaping hole up the middle and was finally caught by Washington's Desmond Trufant at the North 12. A facemask penalty moved the ball to the 6 and three plays later, Florida State's E.J. Manuel scored on a 2-yard run for an early 7-0 lead.

An FCS All-American and College Sports Journal FCS National Defensive Player of the Year, Alford then capped off his day when he picked off a two-point attempt by Miami (Ohio) quarterback Zac Dysert with 23 seconds remaining.