WAILUKU, Hawaii - Nick Rolovich threw three touchdown passes in the first half to lead the South to a 45-28 victory over the North in the Hula Bowl yesterday.

Toledo's Chester Taylor won the North Most Valuable Player award with his 61-yard, two-touchdown performance.

Taylor, who had 12 carries, scored on a six-yard run less than two minutes into the third quarter and he scored on a three-yard run with four minutes remaining in the game.

Rolovich, the Hawaii quarterback won the South MVP award while outshining the other all-stars, including Heisman Trophy winner Eric Crouch of Nebraska, who was 4-of-11 for 45 yards and three interceptions.

The all-star game at War Memorial Stadium on Maui island closed the college football season. It also was the final college game for Steve Spurrier, who resigned at Florida and was hired as coach of the Washington Redskins. Spurrier was an assistant South coach, under Oklahoma's Bob Stoops, a former Florida assistant.

Verron Haynes of Georgia led the South's ground attack, rushing for 84 yards and a touchdown.

The South dominated the entire game, taking a 28-7 lead in the first half, capitalizing on five North turnovers while running up 308 yards on offense. Haynes got the scoring going in the first quarter with a 3-yard plunge.

The 45 points by the South was the highest output since 1968.

Rolovich went on to complete 9 of 17 passes for 163 yards and three touchdowns in the first half, including two to Oregon tight end Justin Peelle. He finished with 171 yards on 10-of-18 passing.

Rolovich sat out the most of the second half, even with the sunsplashed crowd chanting, “Rolo! Rolo!”

Crouch had a dismal passing game, throwing three interceptions, including two in the first two offensive series.

The North struggled in the first half, throwing five interceptions.

First Published February 3, 2002, 3:30 p.m.