A few quick hit notes following Liberty’s overtime thrilling loss 46-39 to Richmond:
- It’s difficult to try to put this one in words so quick after the game. 2nd straight heartbreaking overtime defeat on homecoming for Liberty.
- 1 turnover all night, and it was on the final play of the game. The Spiders were in an all out blitz on the play, and they got to Josh Woodrum before he could release the ball.
- Liberty’s coaching staff had to see something on tape to make them go to the option. They went to it early and often and it paid dividends. They even used the option to set up the passing game as there were several fake options called.
- Josh Woodrum was a beast. The junior quarterback did his best to put his team on his back and win the game. He repeatedly kept the ball on option run plays and took the big hits. Enough cannot be said about his play and leadership tonight. Josh finished 15/25 passing for 193 yards and 3 touchdowns. He also added 98 yards rushing and 2 touchdowns on 18 carries. He was limping a little bit in the post game press conference, so hopefully he will be good to go for Appalachian State (I’m sure he will).
- Darrin Peterson was his normal self tonight as he recorded his 4th straight 100-yard receiving game. Peterson finished with 136 yards and 3 touchdowns including the one that tied the game late in the 4th quarter and LU’s only score in overtime..
- 3rd down conversions were a critical component of the game. The Flames’ defense could not stop the Spiders offense on 3rd downs. It didn’t matter if it was 3rd and 1 or 3rd and 12, the Spiders continually converted as they moved the ball up and down the field. The Spiders ended up 13 for 19 on 3rd downs while the Flames were 0 for 10.
- Where was Gabe? Had a big game last year against Richmond, but finished with just 1 catch for 22 yards.
- Richmond struggled with their field goals. They were 1 for 4 on the night with their only making coming in the final 15 seconds of the game.
- Liberty now must somehow try to regroup the rest of the season as the only way the Flames possibly make the playoffs is by winning the Big South outright.
Be sure to check the site on Sunday afternoon as we will have full video of the post game press conference with comments from Coach Gill, Coach Rocco, Josh Woodrum, and John Lunsford.
The Good: Special kudos to Josh Woodrum, John Lunsford, and the coaches. Woodrum was on point with his passes, including the long ball. This was a big improvement over the ISU game. He was a true leader tonight and definitely the team MVP.
Lunsford can be ‘hit or miss’ (pun intended) but credit to him that he has earned the confidence of his head coach to attempt a 60-yarder. With a bit more accuracy, he’s a lethal weapon. He may be the next Flame in the NFL.
The coaches made great adjustments at halftime and the Flames looked like a different team. They inspired the team to show its grit and resiliency.
The Bad: Michael Strauss was off on several passes and had open receivers to throw to. The game was closer than it should have been because our DBs were behind their guys going downfield. Depth of talent in the secondary is concerning.
The Ugly: (1) Another botched kickoff return! Unbelievable. (2) Donte Shells deserves to be demoted. He is realiable to drop at least one key pass per game. He dropped a wide-open bomb last year and he matched it again this year. Woodrum wouldn’t have to key so much on Peterson if he had other dependable targets to rely upon.