NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Carey Spear kicked a 31-yard field goal with 2:56 left, and the Vanderbilt Commodores rallied from 21-14 down in the fourth quarter and beat the Connecticut Huskies 24-21 Saturday night.
The victory gives new coach James Franklin a 2-0 start and Vanderbilt’s first winning streak since 2008.
Tim Fugger had two of Vanderbilt’s five sacks, and the Commodores forced four turnovers, all by Johnny McEntee. Senior Casey Hayward picked off a McEntee pass at midfield, then weaved his way back across the field to finish off a 50-yard return. His first career interception return for a TD tied it at 21 apiece with 6:45 left.
UConn (1-1) lost its second straight road opener despite the defense sacking Larry Smith seven times and forcing two turnovers.