Liberty (1-0, 0-0 CUSA) was able to pick up the win and defeat Maine (0-1), 28-7 on Saturday evening at Williams Stadium in Lynchburg, Virginia in front of 20,337 fans. A game that was tied at 7 entering the fourth quarter, it took some time for the Flames’ offense to get going behind new quarterback Ethan Vasko, but the team scored three times in the final 11 minutes of the game to seal the win and provide some separation.
Liberty’s offense struggled early but found its groove late
The Flames opened the contest with an 18-play drive that took over half of the first quarter off the clock. After an offensive pass interference call inside the 10-yard line, it set the team back, having to settle for a 37-yard Jay Billingsley field goal kick which was no good. From there, Vasko and the offense struggled with four straight punts including two three and outs. The team finally got on the board following a Maine turnover when Vasko connected with Reese Smith on a 9-yard pass in the corner of the end zone.
After halftime, Vasko and the offense started to find its rhythm. Liberty scored on its final three possessions, getting into the end zone three straight times to take the lead and ultimately pull away from the pesky Black Bears.
Early returns on Vasko are inconclusive
If you look at the final box score, you might be pleased with Vasko’s performance. In his first start at Liberty after transferring from Coastal Carolina, the signal caller completed 19 of 33 passes for 58% for 197 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions. He also led the team with 13 rushes for 63 yards and a score.
However, the first three quarters resulted in a missed field goal, four straight punts and five total punts, and a turnover on downs. Vasko missed a few passes that he could have completed. He also had to deal with pressure frequently.
Vasko did remain poised, not losing his composure, despite a tie score in the final period. He was able to help the team move the ball, pick up first downs, and ultimately get into the end zone on the final three drives. He didn’t turn the ball over, and showed his willingness to lower his shoulder on run plays to pick up extra yards. Some things to clean up, but not something that has to be trashed moving forward.
His backup, Ryan Burger was unavailable for the contest as he was injured during practice this week leading up to the game. Burger was on the sidelines in street clothes. Head coach Jamey Chadwell said after the game that Burger was held out as a precaution. With him sidelined, redshirt-freshman Michael Merdinger served as QB2 though he did not see the field.
Liberty’s defense showed promise
We’ve heard all camp about how good this Liberty defense could be. Coach Chadwell even said on the first day of camp in late July that it has the potential to be dominant. Giving up 7 points and forcing two turnovers is something that you will take just about every week.
The Flames gave up a 77 yard run to Sincere Baines as he went up the middle virtually untouched. It put the Black Bears on the board, giving them the lead. Other than that run, and a 30-yard scamper in the 2nd half, the Liberty run defense was virtually dominant. Other than those two carries, Maine rushed the ball 30 times for 77 yards, just over 2 yards per carry. Of course, you can’t take those two plays off the stat sheet, but it does show promise.
The defensive line also forced pressure on Peevy, sacking him three times while also forcing him to scramble out of the pocket repeatedly. Maine finished the game with 316 yards, 184 on the ground, while Peevy completed 13 of 31 passes for 132 yards and an interception.
Turning Point
Early in the fourth quarter with the score tied and the Flames facing a 3rd and 4 from just outside the red zone, Ethan Vasko found running back Evan Dickens on the running back screen. The Georgia Tech transfer did the rest as he outraced the defense to the pylon down the right side of the field. That score put the Flames on top for the first time in the game before Liberty was able to pull away late.
Player of the Game
CJ Bazile, Jr: Leading the Liberty defense, the Joker led the team with six tackles, 1.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery. When the team was trailing 7-0 late in the first half, Bazile broke free to sack Maine quarterback Carter Peevy, forcing the fumble that he recovered. It led to Liberty’s first score of the game to tie the contest entering halftime.
What They Said
“I thought he finished strong. Early on, had a lot of nerves, missed some throws he could have make. He didn’t panic. He kept playing,” said head coach Jamey Chadwell on Vasko’s debut.
Up Next
Liberty will hit the road for the first time this season and open up conference play next Saturday at Jacksonville State. The Gamecocks opened their season Thursday night in a 17-10 loss at UCF. Next week’s game between the Flames and JSU will feature the past two CUSA Champs with kickoff scheduled for Noon ET on CBS Sports Network.
