A few quick hit notes following Liberty’s 36-34 win over Florida International to move to 2-0 to open the season:

  • It was a back and forth affair, with FIU taking the initial lead, then Liberty seizing control, before the Panthers regained the lead, and ultimately Liberty prevailing.
  • Jayod Sanders with a sack on 4th and 12 to seal the game as Liberty took over at the FIU 5.
  • Malik Willis made the play of the game. On 3rd and 7 and the Panthers rushing him, Willis was able to escape the pocket, get around the edge, and rush for 67 yards to get the Flames into the red zone once again.
  • This game had it all. We even had a Chris Ferguson sighting as he came in for Malik Willis on the final drive of the game for Liberty. Willis was getting his arm looked at on the side line. Ferguson was able to convert a huge 3rd down with a completed pass.
  • Florida International took the opening kickoff and returned it 100 yards for a touchdown to open the game 7-0, the first time Liberty had trailed all season. The kickoff coverage units were a positive for the Flames in the season opener last week at Western Kentucky, but the Flames struggled to contain FIU on the first two kicks of the game before adjusting.
  • For a second straight week, the Flames faced a former Maryland quarterback as starter. Last week at WKU, Tyrrell Pigrome started for the Hilltoppers and former Terrapin Max Bortenschlager got the start for FIU. Bortenschlanger played the first quarter and Kaylan Wiggins got the nod for the second quarter, while Stone Norton came in for the 3rd quarter. Norton was their best performer, as he stayed in the game for the 4th quarter. FIU had just 16 passing yards until Norton was inserted in the game.
  • Malik Willis completed his first 10 pass attempts on the afternoon, including his first Liberty touchdown pass on the Flames’ first score of the game on a 24-yard touchdown pass to Noah Frith.
  • Liberty’s defense was very strong against the run last week, holding WKU to 98 rushing yards. FIU reached the 100 yard mark in the 2nd quarter, as they seemingly could pick up 4-5 yards on the ground at will.
  • LU 3rd downs
  • For the second straight week, Liberty left points on the board by virtue of the kicking game. Last week, Alex Barbir missed an extra point and had a field goal blocked. This week, he missed a 36-yard field goal. He would make a 27-yard field goal on Liberty’s first drive of the second half and two other field goals before the game was over.
  • DJ Stubbs had a breakout game, becoming the first Liberty receiver to reach 100 yards receiving in a game this season. He finished with 8 receptions for 119 yards and a touchdown.
  • Durrell Johnson had a second straight strong performance, finishing with 2.5 sacks, always in crucial situations. He also had 3.5 tackles for loss.
  • Penalties were a big hindrance for the Panthers, they finished their first game of the season with 15 penalties for 127 yards.
  • For the second straight game, Joshua Mack reached 100 yards rushing. He finished with 107 yards and a touchdown.
  • Four of Liberty’s trips inside the FIU 10-yard line led to just 9 points. The Flames had to settle for field goals on those trips, missing one of them. It kept LU from putting the Panthers away.