CINCINNATI, Dec. 5 (UPI) -- Dominique Brown's 2-yard scoring run on the first possession of overtime Thursday lifted No. 16 Louisville to a 31-24 victory over Cincinnati.
The Cardinals kept alive their hopes for sharing the American Athletic Conference title, but their win also ensured Central Florida will take part in a BCS bowl game.
Central Florida can clinch the undisputed conference crown with a win over SMU on Saturday, one that would give the Knights a perfect league campaign.
Even if SMU should pull off the upset, Louisville (11-1, 7-1 AAC) cannot represent the league in a BCS bowl contest because of its three-point loss to Central Florida on Oct. 18.
Central Florida's only setback this year came against South Carolina.
Louisville quarterback Terry Bridgewater threw for 255 yards and three touchdowns, two of those coming in the fourth period. Devante Parker's 4-yard scoring catch, coming with 2:26 to play in the fourth quarter, gave Louisville a 24-21 lead.
Cincinnati then drove 67 yards in nine plays to set up a field goal by Tony Miliano with seven seconds remaining that forced overtime.
Louisville scored in five plays on its opening overtime possession. Brown's touchdown came one play after a third-down interference penalty was called on Cincinnati in the end zone.
Needing a touchdown to keep the game going, the Bearcats (9-3, 6-2) could not pick up a first down. Anthony McClung was unable to pull in a high throw from Brendon Kay on fourth down, ending the game.
This was the 52nd meeting between the teams and the last for the foreseeable future.
Louisville will leave the American Athletic Conference next season for the Atlantic Coast Conference.
