Liberty (4-0, 2-0 CUSA) defeated FIU (3-2, 0-2 CUSA), 38-6, on Saturday night in Miami.
The Flames wasted no time jumping out to an early lead, as the offense scored touchdowns on its first two drives of the game to take a 14-0 lead. The big play was a 68-yard pass and run from Kaidon Salter to Treon Sibley for the second score.
The only thing that slowed the Liberty offense in the first half was themselves. The Flames scored on four of the team’s eight first half possessions. The ones they were held off the scoreboard were two turnovers – Salter’s first interception of the season and a Salter fumble inside the 5 yard line – a penalty and missed 49-yard field goal.
Meanwhile, four of the home team’s first five offensive possessions were three and outs and punts. The defense also forced two first half turnovers for the Panthers. Liberty went into the locker room with a 24-6 lead. A 14-0 advantage in the third quarter, and the visitors cruised to an easy victory.
OFFENSE CONTINUES TO BE LETHAL
Behind quarterback Kaidon Salter, Liberty’s offense exploded for 55 points last week at Buffalo. It was more domination for the Flames on offense in Miami this week. If it weren’t for a couple of turnovers, especially one inside the 5-yard line, this could have been a second straight game with 50+ points. Liberty had 340 yards of offense, not for the game but just in the first half! The team finished with 504 yards on the evening.
Salter finished the night 11 of 21 passing for 156 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception. He also rushed 9 times for 77 yards and 2 additional scores. In addition to Salter’s 77 yards on the ground, both Billy Lucas and Quinton Cooley eclipsed 100 yards on the ground as each finished for exactly 102 yards.
DEFENSE STEPS UP
While the offense has received plenty of praise early in the season and deservedly so, the defense’s strong play against the Panthers is probably the top story of the game.
Florida International was forced to three and outs on its first two drives of the game and four of their first five possessions. The Flames had struggled at times early in the season to slow down the opposing teams, especially for extended stretches of games. With the exception of one drive, coming off a Liberty turnover, the Flames held FIU off the scoreboard for the game.
KENDY CHARLES RETURNS TO LINEUP
The Flames have missed starting defensive tackle Kendy Charles in the first three weeks of the season as he has been out with a lower body injury. He returned to the lineup on Saturday night against FIU, playing limited snaps. It was good for the Flames to get him back on the field, as he has all-conference potential. Kendy helped lead the defense and the defensive line with 11 tackles for loss on the night.
It also helped the depth in the game as Liberty was without Chris Boti, who had filled in starting for the injured Charles. Boti did not make the trip with the team to South Florida. No immediate word on his condition moving forward.
Up Next
Liberty is off next week as the Flames conclude the month of September at 4-0. Liberty will then adjust to a midweek schedule for the month of October, beginning on Thursday, Oct. 5 against Sam Houston at Williams Stadium in Lynchburg, Virginia.
