As the Flames finished their season this past Saturday with a victory over VMI, we here at Flames Nation thought it would be a good idea to do a quick run down of the season’s results. So it’s time to look at what went right, and what went wrong in Liberty’s 6-5 2012 campaign.
Week 1 vs Wake Forest (20-17 Loss)
Despite the loss, this was one of Liberty’s most impressive performances of the season. The only game that could eclipse the Flames’ effort at Wake was the home finale win against #6 Stony Brook. In Winston-Salem we got a glimpse of what could have been, we just didn’t know it yet. The team that stepped on the field in week 1, with Kevin Fogg, Malcolm Boyd, Ryan Ferguson, and more had a lot more potential than the injury ridden Flames we saw the rest of the season. QB Brian Hudson started, and received the majority of snaps in this one. While redshirt Freshman Josh Woodrum would eventually replace him, Hudson looked the better of the two QB’s in this contest. The Flames led much of this contest, and for a while it appeared the upset of a BCS conference foe was within reach. However, the Demon Deacons eventually took the lead and escaped with a win by a narrow margin.
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| Holloway dances past a Wake Forrest defender in Week 1 |
Week 2 vs #24 Norfolk State (31-24 Loss)
If there was a game in 2012 that Liberty really should have won but didn’t, it was this contest at home versus Norfolk State. NSU came into the game ranked #24 in the nation, hot off of a playoff appearance in 2011. However, as the season wore on it became obvious that the 2012 Norfolk State squad was no playoff contender. The Spartans finished the season 4-7 overall, and 9th place in the MEAC. After losing All-America Guard Malcolm Boyd for the season in the 1st quarter with a leg injury, the Flames carried a 10 point lead to halftime in this one, but gave up a punt return for a touchdown, as well as a fake punt that led to a touchdown. Norfolk State dominated with their run game down the stretch, tiring the Liberty defense and keeping the Flames offense off the field. After QB Brian Hudson was injured, Josh Woodrum came in and led LU down the field for a potential game tying drive. However, Liberty was stopped short and Norfolk State walked out of Williams Stadium with the victory.
Week 3 vs #12 Montana (34-14 Loss)
Most observers realized that going into Missoula and getting a W against Montana would be a tough task for Liberty, even in a down year for the storied Grizzlies program. Montana possesses perhaps the premier home field advantage in FCS football, and this game was no exception. LU got down early in this one, and was never able to challenge for the lead. The Flames gave up another punt return for a touchdown, and turned the ball over 3 times as well. However, QB Josh Woodrum performed well in his first start for Liberty, completing 34 of 44 attempts, for 322 yards 2 TD’s and 1 INT. Woodrum never looked back as he took the starting job from that point forward. The loss to Montana came despite the Flames outgaining the Grizzlies 342 yards to 296 respectively. Had Liberty avoided early mistakes that led to Grizzlies’ touchdowns, this game could have been much different.
Week 4 vs #13 Lehigh (28-26 Loss)
Liberty finished up arguably the toughest slate of games in program history against #13 Lehigh, a team the Flames lost a close match up to in 2011. Lehigh came into this contest undefeated, and the Flames were looking to break into the win column after their 0-3 start. This contest was a battle, as Liberty got outstanding performances on the ground from Aldreakis Allen (18 carries, 125 yards) and Sirchauncey Holloway (20 carries, 107 yards). The Flames held a 6 point lead almost midway through the 4th quarter, and appeared to be heading towards a big home victory. Once again, the big play cost Liberty though, Lehigh QB Michael Colvin was able to catch the Flames defense asleep and took a 63 yard run to the house, giving Lehigh a 21-20 lead. Much like previous contests, turnovers played a key role in LU’s 4th straight loss. Josh Woodrum threw 2 interceptions, including a pick-6 late in the 4th quarter to extend Lehigh’s lead to 8 points. Despite the at times sloppy effort, Liberty once again found themselves in a position to extend the game late. This time Woodrum was able to engineer a touchdown drive with a minute to go, however the necessary 2 point conversion failed, and Lehigh was able to win another tight one with Liberty.
Check back for part 2 of the Flames Nation Season in Review.
