Liberty Bowl: Abernathy kick return lifts Cincy past Vandy 31-24

[Lasher]

MEMPHIS - In need of a spark after watching a fourth quarter lead slip away, Cincinnati received one from its special teams.

Ralph David Abernathy returned a kickoff 90 yards with 13:51 left for the go-ahead touchdown as the Bearcats spoiled a rare bowl appearance for Vanderbilt with a 31-24 decision Saturday at the Liberty Bowl.

The Big East Conference co-champs finished 10-3, giving their beleaguered football brethren success against a Southeastern Conference opponent. The Commodores (6-7) made just their fifth bowl appearance ever and only their second in 30 years.

Vandy had a chance to steal the victory after Archibald Barnes blocked Tony Miliano's 39-yard field goal attempt with 3:58 left, taking over at its 32. But Nick Temple intercepted Larry Smith's deflected pass two plays later and Isaiah Pead, who finished with 149 yards on 28 carries, added a 12-yard touchdown run at the 1:58 mark.

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