MOBILE, Ala. — Florida State’s E.J. Manuel passed for a touchdown and rushed for another on the South’s first two drives in a 21-16 victory over the North in the Senior Bowl on Saturday.

Manuel and running backs Stepfan Taylor and Mike James combined to put the game for senior NFL prospects away on the South’s final drive. Stanford’s Taylor carried five times for 32 yards and caught a 6-yard pass from Manuel.

Manuel was named the game’s Most Outstanding Player.

Clemson running back Andre Ellington didn’t play because of an injured hamstring. The Tigers were represented in the game by offensive lineman Dalton Freeman and defensive lineman Malliciah Goodman. USC was represented by safety D.J. Swearinger.

Mississippi pays $4.35 million lump sum to Nutt

Mississippi has agreed to pay former coach Houston Nutt a lump sum of $4.35 million to complete his contract buyout.

Nutt was fired after the 2011 season with about $6 million remaining on his contract. Ole Miss athletics director Ross Bjork said in a statement that the school’s agreement with Nutt happened last month, and the one-time payment would save the athletics department about $550,000.

Nutt coached for four seasons at Ole Miss.