Frustrating Final: Wildcats 25 - Pirates 19

By Andrew Doud
Reporter
Published: January 2, 2009

—-Associated Press Coverage—-

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) - Ventrell Jenkins scooped up a fumble and barreled his 285-pound frame 56 yards for the go-ahead touchdown, helping Kentucky win a program-best third straight bowl game with a 25-19 victory over East Carolina on Friday in the Liberty Bowl.
   
Kentucky (7-6) never led until Myron Pryor forced a fumble with under 5 minutes left while East Carolina (9-5) was driving. In the mad scramble for the loose ball, Jenkins came up with it and rumbled down the right sideline untouched.
   
Now, coach Rich Brooks has accomplished something even the legendary Bear Bryant couldn’t at Kentucky: end three straight postseasons with a win. The Wildcats won the last two Music City Bowls behind former quarterback Andre Woodson.
   
East Carolina failed in its attempt to win a third game this season against a BCS conference team. It had already defeated West Virginia and Virginia Tech.

—-Final—-

Wildcats kick off 69 yards to Pirates 1 yard line.  3:00min left in 4th quarter.  Pirates unable to produce a touchdown.  Game ends at Wildcats 25 - Pirates 19.  Wildcats win the Liberty Bowl with 7-6 record.  Congratulations Wildcats.

—-Update—-

Pirates fumble at Wildcats’ 44 yard line.  Wildcats run it back 56 yards for touchdown.  Pirates block field goal attempt keeping the score at Wildcats 25 - Pirates 19.

—-Update—-

At the start of the 4th quarter, the Wildcats returned the Pirates’ kickoff to the 45 yard line.  Wildcats forced to attempt a 34 yard field goal and are successful, tying the score at Pirates 19 - Wildcats 19.

—-Update—-

After a late interception in the 3rd quarter, Pirates were able to kick a field goal, making the score Pirates 19 -  Kentucky 16.

—-Original Story—-
It is a big night for college football and East Carolina University.
   
The Pirates face the Kentucky Wildcats in the Liberty Bowl in Memphis.
   
While all the fans here in the east couldn’t go, they are still offering up a lot of support the only way they can.

This is the Pirates third straight bowl appearance. Their first one as Conference USA champs.
   
This time last year they upset Boise State in the Hawaii bowl.
   
This year they are favored against Kentucky.

Scan the room at Boli’s and all you see is purple and gold.
   
Even though many students are gone on break Pirate fans piled in to see if Skip Holtz has what it takes to take down an SEC team.
   
For fans who have suffered through some losing seasons in the past, the new road Skip Holtz has put the Pirates on is a nice change of pace.

Places like Boli’s have been prepping for today’s big game all day, they’ve been taking reservations, setting up seats so everyone has a good view for the game and as you can see behind me all the preparation is paying off.