Quick-hit notes following Liberty’s first ever playoff win:

  • First appearance in the FCS playoffs was not enough for Coach Gill and the Flames as LU wins 26-21.
  • Liberty’s defense had to come up big at the end of the game, on the final drive, and it did. The Flames’ defense held tough on late drives in their 3 biggest wins on the season so far this year: App State, Coastal, and JMU.
  • Liberty’s defense in the 2nd half was dominant. The Dukes did not score in the 2nd half and had just 1 first down in the half until the final drive.
  • Kenny Scott and Jacob Hagen were defending on the final play, it was broken up by Scott.
  • Liberty outscored the Dukes 16-0 in the 2nd half. It’s the 2nd straight game the Flames have held their opponent scoreless in the 2nd half.
  • Liberty’s final offensive drive lasted 17 plays and 11 minutes. It ended with a Nicky Fualaau touchdown. That’s a playoff winning drive.
  • The Flames jumped out to a 10-0 lead with a 19 yard D.J. Abnar on the 1st play of the 2nd quarter.
  • JMU would quickly answer. On the 1st play of their next drive, Jauan Latney took the ball 73 yards. The Dukes controlled the rest of the 1st half, taking a 21-10 lead into the break.
  • Liberty had 4 turnovers in the first half that JMU turned into 14 points. The turnovers gave JMU the momentum. Prior to Woodrum’s 1st interception, the Flames were able to move the ball pretty much at will while its defense kept the high scoring Dukes in check.
  • The Flames’ defense answered the call to start the 2nd half forcing JMU into a quick 3 & out. Liberty’s offense took over with their best field position of the day in JMU territory at the 46. After being stopped, John Lunsford lined up for a 56 yard field goal attempt. The kick was faked, and Javan Shashaty ran for the first down. A few plays later, D.J. Abnar scored a touchdown to bring the Flames within 4 at 21-17.
  • Josh Woodrum was 18/27 for 244 yards and 2 interceptions in his first game back after missing the previous 2.
  • Gabe Henderson again balled out for the offense. The senior does not want his career to end. He finished with a team high 7 catches and 92 yards.
  • Dexter Herman had his best game of the season, receiving 4 passes for 73 yards.
  • D.J. Abnar finished with 69 yards and 2 touchdowns on 17 carries. He was spelled a lot by Todd Macon in the 2nd half. Macon finished with 40 yards on 13 carries.
  • Vad Lee finished the game 18/35 for 139 yards, 1 touchdown and 1 interception. He also ran for 57 yards.
  • This is Liberty’s first win over JMU since 2002. It’s the Flames first ever road win over a CAA opponent.
  • This season is not over! Liberty heads up to Philadelphia on Saturday to face #6 Villanova.