Phillips, South Alabama ground game helps churn 41-36 win over Ohio

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MOBILE, Ala. (AP) — Jared Hollis threw for 192 yards and a touchdown. Keenan Phillips ran for a 116 yards and a touchdown and South Alabama beat Ohio 41-36 on Saturday night.

Phillips was part of rushing stable of four backs who amassed 266 yards on 50 carries and scored four touchdowns. PJ Martin ran for 80 yards on 21 carries and touchdown, Trae'veon Dunbar had 52 yards on six carries with two touchdowns and Jared Hollins recorded 18 yards on five carries.

South Alabama (2-1) built a 24-7 lead at halftime and never trailed.

Victor Rosa had a 33-yard touchdown run for Ohio to start the first half. Shortly after, Matt Vezza threw a 9-yard touchdown to Riley Neer to get the Bobcats within 24-21.

But Martin's 1-yard plunge after a 10-play, 75-yard drive near the halfway point of the third, and Dunbar's 5-yard run with 8:21 to play helped create safe distance.

True freshman Levi Davis threw a 21-yard scoring pass to Dom Dorwart as time expired for the Bobcats' (1-2) last score.

Davis and Vezza, a New Hampshire transfer, each threw for two touchdowns for Ohio.

Ohio: Hosts Stonehill on Saturday.

South Alabama: Travels to Kentucky to face the SEC Wildcats.

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