Liberty got the 2020 season off to a tremendous start with a win over Western Kentucky on Saturday afternoon in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The Hilltoppers, coming off a 9 win campaign and win in the First Responders Bowl, were favored by 14.5 points entering the contest, but the Flames dominated the game for the majority of the 60 minutes
Here are 10 things we learned about the LU football team Saturday…
1. Malik Willis answered the bell
The biggest question coming into this season was how would the Flames respond with a new look offense. Gone are Buckshot Calvert, Antonio Gandy-Golden, Frankie Hickson, and several other key pieces, but, primarily due to new QB Malik Willis, the offense showed it was up to the task.
While Willis can’t match Buckshot’s cannon in the passing game, he provides much more with his escapability and athleticism. Reminder that this was his first game as a starter since high school four years ago, and he will only get better from here. These next two seasons could be fun.
2. O-Line dominated
Freeze mentioned all during training camp that he felt the offensive line would be a solid group, but they dominated the game on Saturday. And they didn’t do it against a weak opponent. WKU’s strength is supposed to be their defensive line, but Liberty clearly owned the line of scrimmage.
The Flames rushed for 354 yards at 6.1 per attempt and Willis was only sacked once. This unit has seen tremendous growth under Freeze and offensive line coach Sam Gregg.
3. Running backs were electric
In part due to number 2 on this list, the running backs shined on Saturday. Joshua Mack looked the part, picking up 100 yards on the ground and sealing the game in the 4th quarter. Peytton Pickett had a great start in the first quarter and looks much more explosive than last season. We didn’t see Shedro Louis until the 4th quarter (more on him below) and Troy Henderson didn’t get any touches.
This running back room is deep and very talented and could be the strength of the team this season.
4. Shedro Louis needs more opportunities
So about Shedro Louis. Goodness. We knew he was fast, but this kid needs more opportunities.
It’s understandable that he’s third on the depth chart at running back, but there has to be more situations he can get on the field. He is just too good not to. He finished with 4 carries for 41 yards, including a 29 yard touchdown run where he darted through the Hilltoppers defense.
5. Kicking game is still a question mark
Freeze was still optimistic about Alex Barbir and the kicking game following the team’s win Saturday afternoon, but the Flames left 4 points on the field with his missed field goal and botched extra point.
It’s understandable that he missed the 42 yard kick. Freeze said the line didn’t do a great job blocking on the attempt and it appeared as though one of WKU’s players got a hand on the ball. And missed extra points can’t happen.
Barbir did a good enough job on his kickoffs and the kickoff team did a terrific job stopping the WKU return men. Hopefully Barbir and the field goal team will see improvement as the season goes on because it could cost the team a win if the Flames continue to leave points on the field.
6. Defense looks much faster
One of my biggest takeaways from the defense on Saturday was that they looked much faster. WKU’s offense has plenty of athletes on the field, but Liberty’s defense was just as fast. Sure, the Flames got beat on a few plays, but that happens.
I thought Aaron Pierre at linebacker was a big part of this. He provides much more speed at the position than the Flames had last season.
7. Durrell Johnson fits perfectly
JUCO transfer Durrell Johnson made an impact on his very first play from scrimmage for the Flames and continued his solid play throughout.
With the loss of Jessie Lemonier, the Liberty coaching staff made Johnson a priority during the recruiting cycle, and it’s paying dividends already. He provides some length and athletic ability on the edge to go along with his experience. Not that the rest of the defensive ends don’t have that ability, but Johnson gives Liberty a stop gap to let some of the younger guys mature this year and next before they take over.
8. Corners need some work
Kei’Trel Clark’s decision to transfer during the summer to Louisville is going to hurt the Flames this season. With Clark and a healthy Jimmy Faulks, Liberty’s corners would be a strength of the defense. On Saturday, the Flames were without both as Faulks was a late scratch from the lineup.
Freshmen Chris Megginson and Quinton Reese made their first career starts and Emanuel Dabney also got a lot of reps at corner. These guys have talent and will be good for the team, but it’s hard to rely on two freshmen at such an important position.
Hopefully Faulks and Isaiah Avery can get back next week to help sure this position up.
9. Penalties are a concern
Liberty finished with 8 penalties for 89 yards, several of which were 15-yard facemask penalties that kept drives alive for the Hilltoppers. You know this will be a topic that gets emphasis this week leading up to this week’s home opener against FIU.
10. Year 2 of Hugh Freeze will be fun
I knew if Liberty could figure out the quarterback position, this team would have a chance to be very good this season. Well, it looks like the Flames have figured that out and year two of Hugh Freeze’s era should be a lot of fun. This team has a chance to get off to a terrific start and exceed everyone’s expectations this season.
