MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Ventrell Jenkins barreled his 285-pound frame 56 yards with the ball in his arm, but it would take some improvisation to reach the end zone and help Kentucky achieve history.

"I saw the quarterback coming and I knew I had to outrun him," the Wildcats' defensive end said. "I did two moves in one — a stiff arm and a high step, and the next thing I know, I was lying in the end zone with my team on top of me."

Who can blame them? This wasn't your garden-variety, go-ahead fumble return by a lineman.

No, this one gave Kentucky a 25-19 win over East Carolina in the Liberty Bowl yesterday, and gave the Wildcats a third straight postseason victory — a distinction not even Bear Bryant's teams were able to achieve decades earlier.

"I know it wasn't the Sugar Bowl or the Cotton Bowl like Bear Bryant, but it is significant," Kentucky coach Rich Brooks said. "I'm very proud of these young men, the whole group of seniors. They accomplished something historic."

Kentucky (7-6) never led in this one until the fourth quarter, when fellow lineman Myron Pryor forced a fumble with about 3 minutes left. Jenkins came up with the ball and rumbled down the right sideline untouched.

East Carolina (9-5) had plenty of time to drive for the win, but the ensuing kickoff was downed at the 1. The Pirates wound up punting four plays later, and Kentucky picked up a first down before running out the clock.

Kentucky had won the Music City Bowl the two previous seasons.