Troy routs Ohio in New Orleans Bowl

Associated Press

NEW ORLEANS

Corey Robinson punctuated a formidable freshman season by helping Troy rewrite the New Orleans Bowl record books.

Robinson threw for 387 yards and four touchdowns, and Troy set a New Orleans Bowl scoring record with a 48-21 victory over Ohio on Saturday night.

“This year, I think Corey’s biggest attribute is, he’s made mistakes, but he’s profited and learned from those mistakes,” Troy coach Larry Blakeney said.

Robinson completed 23-of-29 passes for 285 yards and four TDs in the first half alone, when Troy (8-5) raced to a 38-7 lead, and was 32 of 42 overall. While Robinson was chosen the game’s MVP, he was quick to credit his experienced receivers, who made Ohio regret trying to cover them man-to-man.

Tebiarus Gill had a New Orleans Bowl-record three touchdowns, all on receptions in the first half. Fellow senior Jerrel Jernigan had seven catches for 48 yards, including a 16-yard touchdown.

“They liked to man up on us and I liked our matchups with Jerrel and Tebiarus,” Robinson said. “They’re big-play guys, they’re both seniors and I felt like they went out and made some really big plays tonight for me and made me look good. I’m really happy to have them tonight. It’s a sad day they’re leaving.”

Troy finished with 602 offensive yards — also a New Orleans Bowl record.

The Trojans had a 371-39 advantage in offensive yards through the first two quarters, by which time it was apparent Ohio (8-5) was going to drop to 0-5 in its bowl history.

“It’s clear that we had trouble controlling them from the very start in terms of what they’re all about offensively,” Ohio coach Frank Solich said. “They pretty much threw at will. They made plays after the catch. That eventually opened up the ground game for them. ... That’s not what you look for in terms of trying to keep people from putting points on the board.”

So dominant were the Trojans that they didn’t punt until the fourth quarter.