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Defense, special teams key West to win in Shrine Game

Jan 20, 2008 - 3:45 AM HOUSTON (Ticker) -- Kevin Robinson returned a punt for a touchdown and linebacker Alvin Bowen sealed the game with a late interception return for a score as the West downed the East, 31-13, in the 83rd East-West Shrine Game on Saturday.

With the East leading, 3-0, late in the first quarter, Robinson of Utah State fielded a punt from Toledo's Brett Kern and effortlessly broke through the East's special teams for a 72-yard TD that gave the West the lead for good.

After the East narrowed the deficit to 24-13 on a five-yard run from Cory Boyd of South Carolina with 4:18 remaining, Iowa State's Bowen picked off Tulsa quarterback Paul Smith on the next possession and went untouched 20 yards into the end zone for the final margin.

The interception was one of four thrown by East quarterbacks, as Smith and Anthony Morelli of Penn State each had two.

West quarterback Josh Johnson of San Diego was named the game's offensive MVP as he rushed for 91 yards and finished 5-of-11 for 78 yards and one TD.

In addition to the East's only touchdown, Boyd led the team with 63 total yards.