Liberty (4-7, 3-4 CUSA) was defeated by Louisiana Tech (6-5, 4-3 CUSA) on Saturday evening, 34-28 in overtime. The Flames blew a 28-7 second half lead as Ethan Vasko threw four interceptions, including one in overtime to allow the Bulldogs to make the comeback and pick up the win. With the loss, the Flames see their seven year bowl streak come to an end, as well as a streak of 6-win seasons that dated back to 2006.

Flames Squander Late Lead

Inexplicably, Liberty found a way to lose this game. The Flames were pretty close to dominant, playing a very clean game, through the first 2 and half quarters. It helped the team take a commanding 28-7 lead following a second straight touchdown drive out of halftime midway through the third quarter. Louisiana Tech responded with a touchdown drive of their own to stay within striking range, cutting their deficit to two scores at 28-14.

At that point, Evan Dickens had rushed the ball 20 times for 138 yards and 2 scores. He was virtually unstoppable, breaking off long run after long run. The Flames regained possession with just over 4 minutes left in the third quarter, and Dickens opened the drive with a 27-yard run to move the ball near midfield. On first down, Liberty called a play action pass, quarterback Ethan Vasko threw the ball deep over the middle of the field, into double coverage, under-throwing his receiver for the interception. Louisiana Tech then drove the length of the field, going 96 yards on 19 plays to cut the Liberty lead to just one score.

Not sure why the Liberty coaching staff went away from Dickens and his hot hand as he went over 100 yards rushing for a fourth straight game, finishing with 30 carries for 228 yards. Instead, the Flames continued to allow Vasko to attempt passes. He would throw interceptions on three out of four pass attempts, finishing the game by misfiring on his last seven pass attempts, four of them being interceptions.

Liberty head coach Jamey Chadwell mentioned in the post game interview that Vasko re-injured his shoulder sometime in the game. The coaching staff found out prior to overtime, but the training staff cleared Vasko and he went back into the game. He would throw an interception to end Liberty’s first drive in overtime for a second straight game.

Liberty Officially Eliminated from Bowl Game

For the first time in program history at the FBS level, the Flames will not go bowling this season. Liberty had reached a bowl game each of the past six seasons, dating back to the 2019 campaign. The Flames had also won at least six games every year dating back to the 2006 campaign. Both of those streaks come to an end as Liberty will finish the 2025 campaign with a losing record for the first time for this program since 2005 under former head coach Ken Karcher.

Turning Point

The Flames led 28-7 before Louisiana Tech cut the score to 28-14 late in the third quarter. Liberty had scored touchdowns on its first two offensive drives of the second half and moved the ball towards midfield, looking to put the game away. On the 2nd play of the drive, Ethan Vasko took a deep shot over the middle of the field, throwing into double coverage and under-throwing his receiver. The ball was picked off. The Bulldogs would respond with a 19-play, 96-yard drive to cut the game to a one score lead at 28-21. Liberty would not recover.

Player of the Game

Trey Kukuk: The third quarterback for the Bulldogs, after two others were lost for the season due to injuries in the previous two weeks, finished the game completing 13 of 20 passes for 118 yards. He carried the ball 19 times for 143 yards and 2 scores.

Up Next

Liberty will conclude the season next Saturday at home against Kennesaw State. The Owls are 8-3 overall and 6-1 in conference play. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. from CBS Sports Network from Williams Stadium in Lynchburg, Virginia.

*photo courtesy Liberty Athletics