Jan. 10, 2004

SAN FRANCISCO - Playing for his own head coach, UNLV's Larry Croom led the West Team to a 28-7 victory at the 79th Annual East-West Shrine Game Saturday.

Competing under a UNLV staff, including head coach John Robinson, Croom ran for two touchdowns and led all rushers with 63 yards on just nine carries to wrap up an outstanding postseason by the Rebel tailback, who also scored a touchdown in the Blue-Gray Game on Christmas Day.

Croom was joined on the West by Rebel defensive lineman Dietrich Canterberry.

Croom's pair of one-yard touchdowns in the first half pushed the West to a 21-7 lead at the break. His day also included a 14-yard reception for a first down and one kickoff return for 12 yards. Despite the performance, Boise State quarterback Ryan Dinwiddie was named the event's outstanding offensive player after completing 13-18 passes for 109 yards.

Robinson, a native of the Bay Area, served as head coach of the game for the first time in his storied career while assistant Bruce Snyder coordinated the offense and Mike Bradeson oversaw the defense.