For some off-season football reading, we want to look at Liberty’s 5 best Non-Conference wins since joining FBS prior to the 2018 season. Obviously, the Flames were not in a conference until joining CUSA in 2023, so any win in the first handful of years at the FBS level would qualify for this list. Here are our top five:
5. Liberty 38, Syracuse 21 – October 17, 2020
The Flames earned its first ever win over an ACC opponent, rolling over Syracuse at the Carrier Dome. Liberty racked up 338 yards on the ground behind Shedro Louis’ 170 rushing yards and two touchdowns while Peytton Pickett rushed 23 times for 115 yards. The win moved the Flames to 5-0 for the first time since 2008 and laid the groundwork for one of the best seasons in program history.
4. Liberty 37, Coastal Carolina 34 (OT) – December 26, 2020
Elijah James blocked a game-ending field goal attempt in overtime, helping the Flames to the win over No. 9 Coastal Carolina. It helped Liberty finish the season with a 10-1 record and top 20 end of season ranking while also knocking the Chanticleers (and future Liberty head coach Jamey Chadwell) from the ranks of the unbeaten. Malik Willis had 357 yards of offense and rushed for a Cure Bowl record four touchdowns as Liberty earned its first ever win over an FBS top 25 program.
3. Liberty 41, BYU 14 – October 22, 2022
This ranking may come with a bit of controversy as many will look at this win as the biggest in program history. The game was played in front of the largest crowd in Williams Stadium history and holds historical significance for Liberty fans. Founder Jerry Falwell, Sr’s vision was to have Liberty perform at the level of Notre Dame and BYU and this win helped prove that the Flames have arrived at that level. Johnathan Bennett had 247 passing yards while completing 24 of 29 attempts with two touchdowns. Dae Dae Hunter rushed for 213 yards.
2. Liberty 38, Virginia Tech 35 – November 7, 2020
Alex Barbir made a 51-yard field goal with one second remaining to punctuate a frenetic final two minutes in Blacksburg which featured 17 points and an apparent Virginia tech game-winning touchdown return of a blocked field goal. Liberty improved to 7-0 on the season for the first time ever and continue its time being ranked in the top 25. Malik Willis was 20 for 30 passing for 217 yards and three touchdowns while adding 108 yards rushing and another touchdown.
1. Liberty 21, Arkansas 19 – November 5, 2022
Just a couple of weeks after the win over BYU, Liberty went into SEC country and picked up its first ever win over an SEC opponent. The Razorbacks scored twice during the fourth quarter and nearly completed a second two-point conversion, but Liberty came up with one last defensive stop to secure the win. Arkansas trailed 21-5 entering the final period, but Johnathan Bennett was able to lead the Flames to the historic win. Demario Douglas had 7 catches for 145 yards and a touchdown.
