COLLEGE FOOTBALL : THE BOWLS: 1986 : Sophomore Passes for 3 Touchdowns as Tennessee Wins

Jeff Francis threw three touchdown passes, two to Joey Clinkscales, to lead Tennessee to a 21-14 win over Minnesota Monday night in the 28th annual Liberty Bowl.

Francis, a sophomore, combined with Clinkscales on an 18-yarder in the first quarter and on a 16-yarder in the fourth period to break a 14-14 tie and ensure the Volunteer victory. Francis also fired a 23-yard scoring pass to fullback William Howard.

The victory gave Tennessee a 7-5 record for the year and left the Gophers at 6-6.

Minnesota, trailing, 14-0, at one point, tied the score in the fourth quarter. The Gophers’ only touchdown was by quarterback Rickey Foggie on an 11-yard run in the third period.

The Gophers’ other scores came on field goals of 27 yards in the second period and 25 yards in the fourth period by Chip Lohmiller.

Minnesota, which trailed, 14-3 at the half, scored on its first possession of the second half when Foggie guided the Gophers 88 yards in 10 plays. Following the touchdown, running back Darrell Thompson ran in for a 2-point conversion to make it 14-11.

Foggie also contributed a 27-yard run in the drive and was tackled at the 11. After the tackle, a fight erupted among players and three participants were ejected.

Minnesota tied the game with 13:23 remaining when Lohmiller connected on his second field goal.

But on the next possession, Tennessee roared back on a 5-play, 66-yard drive, with Francis connecting with Clinkscales for the final 16. Carlos Reveiz kicked his third extra point to make it 21-14 with 11:21 to go.

Francis, who was named the game’s most valuable player, completed 22 of 31 passes for 243 yards.