Late TD pass lifts Kentucky past Virginia Tech in Belk Bowl

Associated Press
Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2019 4:21 p.m. | Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2019 4:21 p.m.

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Kentucky quarterback Lynn Bowden Jr. breaks free for a 25-yard touchdown run against Virginia Tech in the first half of the Belk Bowl on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2019, in Charlotte, N.C., .

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Lynn Bowden Jr. ran for 223 yards on 34 carries, then tossed a 13-yard touchdown pass to Josh Ali with 15 seconds left as Kentucky rallied behind its receiver-turned-quarterback to beat Virginia Tech, 37-30, on Tuesday in the Belk Bowl.

Bowden ran for two touchdowns before leading an 18-play, 85-yard winning drive that took more than eight minutes off the clock. It ended with Ali getting open down the middle of the end zone. Bowden, who took over as Kentucky’s quarterback after five games because of injuries, passed for 73 yards on 12 attempts.

The Wildcats (8-5) added a final touchdown as time expired when Jordan Wright returned a failed lateral attempt by the Hokies 28 yards for a touchdown.

Hendon Hooker threw for 110 yards and two touchdowns, and Deshawn McClease ran for 126 yards and a score to lead the Hokies (8-5).

Kentucky overcame two second-half turnovers by holding Virginia Tech to two field goals and a punt on its final three possessions.

Bowden, the game’s MVP, carried 13 times on the winning drive.