A few quick hit notes following Liberty’s 35-14 victory over the Presbyterian Blue Hose:
- 2 plays stick out to me that helped push the Flames into a comfortable sized lead. The first was Jacob Hagen’s interception late in the 2nd quarter. It was 14-7 at the time, Presby had the ball, and was driving into Liberty territory with about a minute to play in the half. Jacob intercepted the ball around the Liberty 30 and quickly returned the ball into Presbyterian territory. Des Rice would score a touchdown just a few plays later as Liberty took a 21-7 lead into halftime. It could have easily been 14-10 or even 14-14 without that Hagen interception of Presby QB McMath.
- The 2nd play that thwarted a Blue Hose rally came in the 3rd quarter. It was 21-14 and Presby seemed to have all the momentum. The Flames were forced to punt after an ugly 3 & out, but Grant Bowden changed field position with his booming 55 yard punt. The punt was so good Presby was unable to get a return of more than 4 yards. Also, there was a personal foul penalty on the Blue Hose that backed them up to their own 10 yard line. Liberty’s defense would stop Presby’s fake punt attempt just a few plays later, and the rout was on. Punters never get the credit they deserve, but kudos to Grant.
- It was good to see Aldreakis Allen back out there. Yes, he only had 3 rushes for 22 yards, but he looked good. You could quickly remember the running back he was. Nothing against Des Rice or any of the other backs, but Aldreakis is an experienced, proven running back the Flames haven’t had all season.
- Speaking of Rice, he had another good game. Des rushed the ball 22 times for 96 yards and 3 touchdowns. Aldreakis’ suspension and calf injury may have hurt Liberty in the short term this season, but I think long term the Flames will benefit from Rice’s growth and experience this year. He looks to be an all-conference back next season.
- Josh Woodrum bounced back from one of his worst performances of his career a week ago. He finished the game 13 of 17 for 147 yards and 1 touchdown. I only recall one deep ball, but Josh put the ball on target for Dante Shells who hauled it in. Nice bounce-back performance by the sophomore QB.
- Ok, I’ve always had an affinity for pass rushers, and I admit I have a new man-crush: Chima Uzowihe. This kid is a stud and he’s only a true sophomore. It’s not just the league-leading 7 sacks he has. He’s constantly wreaking havoc in the opponents’ backfield. If he’s not getting to the quarterback, he’s rushing him out of the pocket, or breaking a pass up, or forcing a holding penalty. He finished with 1.5 sacks and 1 pass breakup tonight, but many of his noteworthy plays don’t make the box score. I can’t wait to see how high his ceiling is the next couple of years.
- Jacob Hagen had his 2nd interception in as many weeks, and, as was mentioned previously, it was huge. Hagen has developed into a very dependable safety for the Flames.
- You know who’s suddenly not dependable anymore? John Lunsford. What is up with him? He can boot the ball 60+ yards, but can’t hit the broad side of a barn recently. Not sure what’s up with his accuracy, but I’m thinking it’s all mental. I sure do hope he gets it straightened out because he could be one of Liberty’s all-time greats at kickers. Where’s Matt Bevins when you need him?! Get out of the compliance office and give Lunsford some guidance! Haha!
- As for the whole Coastal Carolina/Charleston Southern/ tiebreaker madness, it definitely gives all of FlamesNation a boost of energy. Worst case scenario Liberty is playing for a shared conference championship in two weeks in Charleston. Best case scenario they’re playing for an automatic bid from the Big South into the FCS playoffs. We are all HUGE Presbyterian fans next week. A Blue Hose win, paired with a CSU win over Gardner-Webb, and a Liberty win over CSU in 2 weeks, and your Flames are playoff-bound. Stranger things have happened.
