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UConn, Brown Run Over Buffalo, 38-20

The Associated Press

Published: January 4, 2009

TORONTO - Donald Brown and a stout defense helped Connecticut overcome a fumble-prone performance.

Brown, the nation's leading rusher, ran for a career-best 261 yards - including 208 in the first half - in his final college game, and UConn defeated Buffalo 38-20 in the International Bowl on Saturday.

After vowing last month that he would return for his senior season, Brown announced after the game he would apply for the NFL draft in April.

The Huskies (8-5) overcame five first-half turnovers and a 20-10 deficit to win their second bowl game in three appearances since joining the Big East in 2004.

The Mid-American champion Bulls (8-6) had their breakout season under coach Turner Gill end with a loss in their bowl debut. James Starks scored on a 4-yard run for the Bulls, who scored all 20 points off turnovers, but were unable to get their potent offense in gear.

The Huskies went ahead for good 10 minutes into the third quarter when Tyler Lorenzen completed his first pass, a 4-yarder to tight end Steve Brouse for a 24-20 lead. After Lorenzen scored on a 15-yard scamper with 4:44 left, Huskies safety Dahna Deleston dealt the final blow. He returned Drew Willy's interception 100 yards for a touchdown with 2:15 remaining.

The touchdown - matching the longest interception return in UConn history - ended Buffalo's final chance to get back into the game, coming when Willy's attempt to Naaman Roosevelt at the goal line bounced off the receiver's hands and to Deleston.

SUGAR BOWL: Brian Johnson threw for 336 yards and three touchdowns as No. 7 Utah upset No. 4 Alabama (12-2) 31-17 on Friday night to finish 13-0. With the victory, Utah became the first team from a non-BCS conference to win two BCS bowls.

RUTGERS: Junior wide receiver Kenny Britt (87 catches, 1,371 yards, seven TDs in 2008) declared himself eligible for the NFL draft.

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