COL FB: Cincinnati 31, Vanderbilt 24

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MEMPHIS, Dec. 31 (UPI) -- Ralph Abernathy's 90-yard kickoff return in the fourth quarter Saturday assured Cincinnati's 31-24 win over Vanderbilt in the Liberty Bowl.

Vanderbilt had pulled to within 21-17 on Chris Boyd's 68-yard TD catch a minute into the fourth quarter, but Abernathy returned the ensuing kickoff for a touchdown, restoring Cincinnati's 11-point lead.

George Winn ripped off a 69-yard touchdown run in the first half and Zach Collaros returned from a broken right ankle to toss a scoring pass for the Bearcats (10-3).

Big East Conference Offensive Player of the Year Isaiah Pead amassed 150 yards on 28 carries and a touchdown in the win.

Larry Smith went 8-of-19 for 142 yards, one TD and one interception for the Commodores (6-7).