Bearcats barely hold off Western Michigan comeback

TORONTO – Kevin Lovell’s 33-yard, fourth-quarter field goal Saturday lifted Cincinnati to a 27-24 victory over Western Michigan in the International Bowl – the first college bowl played in Canada and first outside the United States since 1937.

Lovell’s kick with 8 minutes, 49 seconds left came after a 7-yard touchdown run by Western Michigan’s Brandon West tied it. The Bearcats led 24-0 early in the second quarter and barely held on. The Broncos had a chance to force overtime with 1:21 left, but Nate Meyer’s 51-yard field-goal attempt was wide.

Brian Kelly enjoyed a winning debut as Bearcats coach. Kelly began the season at Central Michigan before going to Cincinnati on Dec. 4 to replace Mark Dantonio, who went to Michigan State. Kelly led Central Michigan past the Broncos 31-7 on Nov. 10, making him the first NCAA coach to beat a school in the same season with two teams.

Dominick Goodman, the game MVP with seven catches for 109 yards, had two touchdowns for Cincinnati. Lovell added two field goals.

Cincinnati (8-5) made its fifth bowl trip in seven years and first since beating Marshall 32-14 in the 2004 Fort Worth Bowl.

Western Michigan (8-5) made its first bowl appearance since 1988 and third in school history.