A few thoughts following Liberty’s 38-19 loss to Indiana State:

  • What did we spotlight as the keys to this game all week leading up to it? The running game and turnovers. The Flames didn’t fare too well in those two categories, being outgained on the ground 128-33 and losing the turnover battle 4-2. No way Liberty wins this game against a good Indiana State squad on the road with those numbers. That was really the story of the game.
  • As for the rushing game, Liberty had 33 yards on 22 carries. Indiana State had 128 yards and 2 touchdowns. ISU was giving up over 200 rushing yards and only rushing for 70 yards per game entering the contest. Abnar finished with 15 carries for 50 yards.
  • Josh Woodrum didn’t have his best day even though his stats ended up not looking too bad. He finished 26/45 for 308 yards, 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. He missed a few receivers in key situations.
  • Liberty’s offense did not convert a 3rd down conversion in the 1st half, and finished the game a putrid 1/11. LU was unable to effectively move the ball and sustain drives. This caused the defense to be on the field too long against a very potent passing attack.
  • Even though the 38 points allowed is too much to win the game, the defense did not play terribly. They had a difficult time stopping ISU QB Mike Perish & company in the first half, but they made adjustments and turned up the pressure in the 2nd half. ISU did not score in the 3rd quarter while LU’s defense gave the offense plenty of opportunities to get back in the game. The score was 24-13 at halftime, and Liberty had possession of the ball 6 times without putting any points on the board before the Sycamores scored again. When they did, they went up 31-13 with 6 minutes to play in the game. It was over at that point.
  • Darrin Peterson had another terrific game, finishing with 12 receptions for 116 yards and 1 touchdown. He is still on pace to break most of Liberty’s all-time receiving marks held by Chris Summers.
  • Dante Shells had the best game of his career at LU, finishing with 3 receptions for 96 yards and 1 touchdown including a 71-yard touchdown strike from Woodrum. Shells did drop a potential game-tying touchdown late in the 1st half. The Flames settled for a 48-yard field goal from John Lunsford 2 plays later.
  • What does this game do for Liberty’s at-large possibilities? It’s too early to tell, but it does put a big damper on them. The Flames’ homecoming matchup with Richmond next week now becomes a must-win in regards to at-large possibilities. The same could be said of the Appalachian State game the following week.