SPRINGFIELD — Missouri State needed its first conference win on Wednesday, Oct. 14.
The Bears rose to the challenge, topping defending Conference USA champions Kennesaw State 24-21 thanks to a last-second field goal.
During the win, individual accolades took center stage for Missouri State. Star wide receiver Jmariyae Robinson enjoyed another huge night.
Robinson caught eight passes for 77 yards against the Owls.
The fifth-year senior’s eight receptions bring him to 155 total receptions, breaking Missouri State’s all-time record, set by Clay Harbor in 2009.
“I was just made aware of J-Rob’s career record mark,” coach Casey Woods said. “That’s awesome. I owe
him a game ball. I didn’t know postgame, otherwise I would’ve done that."
Breaking the receptions record was always Robinson’s goal, he told the News-Leader during fall camp. Being the best wide receiver in Missouri State history was one reason he stayed with Woods and his staff during the coaching tranistion
“I want to finish what I started,” Robinson said. “I could be number one in touchdowns, receptions and yards. I would like to accomplish that, as well as having a winning season with the same people I started with.”
The reception record isn’t the only accolade Robinson is pursuing. The Cocoa, Florida native is closing in on the triple crown.
Robinson has caught 1,935 yards in his career. Jermaine Saffold holds the current record with 2,221 yards. Robinson is 286 yards shy of the record set by Saffold, who is currently the Bears’ assistant wide receivers coach.
“I tell him every day that your record is mine,” Robinson laughed. “He’s never salty about it. He wants me to have it, which I appreciate. He’s giving me all of the wisdom and knowledge.”
Robinson has also scored 16 touchdowns in his career. He’s two touchdowns away from tying the record set by Steve Newbold and Jeff Hewitt. Robinson has not scored this season.
Liam Keating covers high school sports and Missouri State athletics for The Springfield News-Leader. Send stats or information to him at Lkeating@usatodayco.com
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Jmariyae Robinson one step closer to Missouri State's triple crown
