Liberty (4-6, 3-3 CUSA) was defeated by FIU (5-5, 3-3 CUSA) on Saturday evening, 34-27 in overtime. It was quite the frenetic finish with the Flames getting a 48-yard Jay Billingsley field goal on the last play of regulation to frce overtime. In the extra period, the Panthers scored a touchdown on the first possession before Liberty was held out of the end zone.

Flames Come Up Short in Overtime

These two went into overtime a second straight year after the Flames knocked off the Panthers at Williams Stadium last season. This year, Liberty won the toss entering overtime and elected to go on defense first as is typical. The Panthers were able to get into the end zone, converting a 3rd and 10 and 3rd and goal from the 7 to put all the pressure on the Flames’ offense.

On the Flames’ offensive possession, Liberty ran four straight times, picking up a first down and setting up a 3rd and 5 at the 7. Ethan Vasko would get sacked for a one yard loss, setting up a 4th down. Needing to get into the end zone, or at least pick up the first down, Vasko scrambled to his left and threw up a jump ball in the midst of several bodies in the end zone that was batted down to end the game and clinch the win for FIU, it’s first time ever beating Liberty.

Wild Final Sequence Gets the Game into Overtime

Liberty had opportunities to take control of the game before we got to the final quarter but couldn’t capitalize. The defense allowed FIU to march up and down the field seemingly at will in the first half. When the offense had the chance to take control and push the advantage to two scores, it was unable to do so. This allowed the Panthers to take their first lead of the night on a touchdown in the third quarter, 24-21. On homecoming at Pitbull Stadium, FIU added a field goal to make their lead 27-21 entering the late stages.

After Vasko threw an interception and the Liberty defense forced an FIU punt, the Flames took over with just over 10 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter needing a touchdown to take the lead. Liberty utilized a heavy dose of running back Evan Dickens and moved into the red zone. Two Dickens runs set up a 3rd and 6 at the FIU 15 with less than 3 minutes remaining. Vasko rolled to his right and seemingly threw a ball at Blue’s feet, setting up a 4th down. The Liberty offense remained on the field and looked like it would go for it, needing a touchdown. Instead, the Flames were whistled for a delay of game and settled for a 38-yard Billingsley field goal with 2:48 remaining.

FIU only needed to pick up two first downs to run out the clock and pick up the win. Liberty’s defense got losses on the first two run plays of the drive, as the Panthers faced a 3rd and 15. Willie Simmons elected to pass the ball and try and pick up the first, and they did just that as Joe Pesansky found JoJo Stone for a 26 yard gain out near midfield. A few plays later, it was 4th and 1 for FIU at the Liberty 40 with 22 seconds remaining. Liberty would stop Kejon Owens on the run for no gain and turnover on downs.

The Flames took over with 20 seconds remaining. After two incomplete passes, Vasko connected with Donte Lee for 29 yards to the FIU 31. With no timeouts left, Liberty rushed its field goal unit onto the field, for some reason not opting to spike the ball on first down to not have to rush the operation, but Billingsley was able to come through in the clutch and knocked home a 48-yard kick to send the game to overtime.

Liberty On Verge of Missing Bowl Game

Liberty is now just one loss in its final two games from missing a bowl game for the first time in program history at the FBS level and ending a 20-year streak of winning at least six games per year. There were opportunities to win the game, certainly, but the Flames are left scratching their head with another difficult loss. Just over a week ago, Liberty had some momentum, winning three straight to get to 4-4 and in the mix in the CUSA race, but losses to Missouri State and FIU have ended those dreams. It’s a tough spot to be in and a tough pill to swallow with how this program has fallen off so quickly. It was less than two years ago Liberty was in the midst of a 13-win season and playing on New Year’s Day at the Fiesta Bowl. Now, the Flames might not even qualify for a bowl game.

Turning Point

The Flames scored touchdowns on their first three drives of the game and led 21-14 late in the first half. With time running out, Liberty was able to get into field goal range to try and take a two score lead going into the locker room at halftime and receiving the kickoff to open the half. Jay Billingsley lined up for a 53 yard field goal on the last play of the half. He drilled it but the Flames were called for a false start. After the penalty, Liberty decided to attempt a hail mary which fell incomplete.

Player of the Game

Joe Pesansky: Making his second straight start for FIU, Pesansky completed 24 of 34 passes for 206 yards and 2 touchdowns while also rushing 8 times for 40 yards and a score. He connected with Maguire Anderson for a 7-yard touchdown in overtime that proved to be the game winner.

What They Said

“That’s two weeks in a row where we’ve had a miraculous play,” said head coach Jamey Chadwell. “You feel like you have a chance to win the game and we don’t do it. It’s disappointing.”

Up Next

Liberty remains on the road and will play at Louisiana Tech on Saturday. The Flames and Bulldogs will kickoff in Ruston, Louisiana at 3 p.m. Eastern on ESPN+. Louisiana Tech is currently 5-4 on the season and 3-3 in conference play entering their game at Washington State Saturday night.

*photo courtesy Liberty Athletics