Here are some quick-hit notes following Liberty’s win over Delaware State to open the season:

  • Des Rice returned from missing the entire 2014 season after tearing his ACL, and he looks to be back to his near-1,000 yard self. Rice finished with 139 yards and 2 touchdowns on 20 carries.
  • Darrin Peterson early and often. The Preseason All-American WR, who is on the verge of rewriting Liberty’s record books, caught 5 passes in the first quarter. He finished with 8 receptions for 83 yards and 2 touchdowns.
  • Wesley Scott made a great read on a sideline pass as he jumped the route and made an athletic diving catch for the interception. Scott is one of the leaders of the secondary this season and will be counted on to make big plays.
  • John Lunsford had his first field goal attempt of the season blocked. The ball came off his foot a bit low. He did rebound, easily making a 52-yarder.
  • We will be keeping our eye on the secondary frequently this season with so many young, inexperienced guys seeing action. Redshirt-freshman Chris Turner got burned on a 2nd quarter pass that went for 47 yards and set up the Hornets’ first touchdown. Alpha Jalloh also got beat deep in the 4th quarter.
  • The biggest concern after the opener is the O-Line. They were called for numerous penalties, had trouble getting a push for the run game early on. The line did seem to improve as the game wore on, but was that just DSU wearing down? The Flames may need to use the pass to set up the run this season.
  • The Flames’ defensive front dominated the game. The group, headlined by Chima Uzowihe, totaled 9 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and 1 safety. Chima had 2.5 sacks and is now just 1 sack from tying Liberty’s career sack mark of 20.5.
  • Darrin Peterson was reportedly carted off the field and out of stadium in the 4th quarter. The only other noticeable injury was to starting tight end Kendall Couamin who grabbed his left knee after making a catch in the first half. No word on the extent of either injury at this point.