Big plays late lift Vandy over Connecticut
Vanderbilt's Casey Hayward returned a fourth-quarter interception 50 yards for a game-tying touchdown, and Carey Spear's 31-yard field goal with 2:56 put the Commodores ahead, as Vandy came from behind for a gritty 24-21 victory over Connecticut at Vanderbilt Stadium on Saturday night.
The Commodores led 14-3 at halftime, but watched the lead evaporate with a series of self-inflicted wounds.
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After Connecticut intercepted Larry Smith deep in VU territory early in the third quarter, the Commodore defense forced a field goal.
But the Huskies blocked a third-quarter punt in the end zone and Byron Jones recovered it for a touchdown, and Yawin Smallwood returned Larry Smith's fumble 66 yards for a fourth-quarter score to put UConn up 21-14 after the Huskies added a 2-point conversion on a pass from Johnny McEntee pass to Ryan Griffin.
But Hayward picked McEntee on a third-down play along the right sideline at midfield, then headed left with a convoy of blockers, scoring with 6:45 left.
After VU held again, Zac Stacy's 48-yard run set up Spear's game-winning field goal, and the Commodore defense forced a turnover on downs to finish their second win.
It's the first time the Commodores have won two-straight games since the 2008 season.
Stay tuned for post-game coverage from VandySports.com.