For the first time in conference play, Liberty trailed as New Mexico State scored a touchdown on its opening drive. The Flames would score 16 unanswered points from there to take the lead and ultimately win the game, 30-14, on Saturday night in Las Cruces, New Mexico. With the win, the Flames improve to 8-1 on the season and 5-0 in CUSA play.
** The Aggies took the opening kickoff and marched down the field with little resistance to score a touchdown. We haven’t seen that much against this Liberty defense. This is the first time the Flames have trailed in a game since September. First time trailing in conference play and the first time since the Ball State game in early September that Liberty has allowed a touchdown in the first quarter.
** The Flames scored on its opening drive for an eighth straight game. Liberty got inside the five-yard line for a first and goal, but the drive would stall and the Flames had to settle for a Chase Reeves’ field goal to cut the deficit to 7-3.
** With the Liberty offense having trouble finding the end zone in the first half, it was the defense that once again provided the spark. The Flames forced two New Mexico State first half turnovers. Deuce Spurlock forced a fumble that Jayden Davis recovered at the New Mexico State 14 yard line that set up a Chase Reeves field goal. Later in the half, Myke Gunn chases down an errant pass down the middle of the field for the interception. It set up Liberty’s first touchdown of the game, coming just ahead of intermission as the Flames scored 10 points off NMSU turnovers in the first 30 minutes.
** The Flames were held scoreless throughout the third quarter, and a New Mexico State touchdown early in the fourth, made it a one score game. But Liberty quickly responded. After the Aggies made it 16-14, Liberty went 78 yards on just 5 plays, with Kam Davis getting into the end zone to push it back to a two-score lead once again. Deshawn Purdie completed both of his passes on the drive for 58 yards.
** QB Deshawn Purdie completed his first six passes of the game, all of them coming on the opening drive. Dating back to last week’s game against FIU, Purdie completed 18 straight passes fore finally throwing an incompletion. Purdie had one of his best games of the season, completing 19 of 28 passes for 252 yards and a touchdown.
** Liberty finished the night with 148 yards on the ground. Once again, it was a very balanced rushing attack. Kam Davis led the way with 14 carries for 63 yards and a touchdown. Terron Kellman had 8 rushes for 33 yards. Purdie carried the ball 9 times for 25 yards.
** Makai Jackson led the team in receiving with 6 catches for 76 yards. Rayshawn Cunningham surpassed both his reception and receiving yardage total through the first eight games of the season in game nine, finishing with 4 receptions for 51 yards. Darius Copeland caught 2 passes for 53 yards. Jamari Person had 2 catches for 40 yards. Eight different players caught at least one pass.
** Liberty edged NMSU in total yards, 399-300. The Aggies were held to 44 yards rushing. The leading rusher in CUSA, James Jones, was limited to 51 yards on 15 carries.
** Liberty starting center Aaron Fenimore exited the game in the first quarter and missed several offensive drives. He would return to action though. Daniel Schiffert entered the contest at center while Fenimore was out.
** Chase Reeves has become such an important weapon for the Flames this season, one they haven’t had at kicker in several years. Reeves connected on three first half field goals against New Mexico State on Saturday night. He was good from 35, 41, and 49 yards as he is now 14/14 on field goals this season. Those 14 consecutive made field goals are the most in program history.
** Liberty has scored points in the final minute of the first half of every game this season. An odd stat, but nine games into the season it is more than just a coincidence.
** Play of the Game: In the closing seconds of the first half, Liberty QB Deshawn Purdie connected with Makai Jackson for a 15-yard touchdown reception. The pass was originally ruled incomplete, but, after review, it was overturned as Jackson hauled in the pass, was able to get a foot down in bounds, and maintained control of the ball. The touchdown put the Flames up 16-7 heading into halftime.
** Up next: Liberty returns home for the next two games, beginning next Saturday against Middle Tennessee. Kickoff from Williams Stadium is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. on CBS Sports Network. The Blue Raiders are currently 5-4 on the season and 3-2 in conference play after their 51-42 win over rival Western Kentucky earlier on Saturday.
*photo courtesy Liberty University Athletics
