Offense: B-
The Flames offense was decent for most of the game, but when it really mattered, they were not able to come through. On paper, it looks like Liberty should have won this game. They had just one turnover, against four by Old Dominion. They even had possession of the ball for 11 minutes and 19 seconds of the 4th quarter, with a lead, and were not able to get any insurance points, giving the Monarchs a chance to come back and win.
Defense B
Liberty’s defense also sputtered out when the game was on the line. They dominated for most of the game, making huge plays (two picks in their own endzone) and stifling an explosive ODU offense. And then, there was the game winning drive in the 4th quarter. True, momentum was against them, but when you have a team down by three and starting at their own 27-yard line with 1:20 left, you have to at least force a field goal and overtime.
With the game on the line, Liberty folded (photo from hamptonroads.com)
Special Teams: D
I’m coming down especially hard on special teams, because they are the reason Liberty lost control of the game. John Lunsford missed two field goals. I’ll give him a pass on the 57-yarder, but the 40-yarder was makeable. Much more detrimental was the punt returned for a touchdown by ODU late in the 4th quarter. That allowed them to get back into the game and swung all the momentum in the Monarchs’ direction.
Overall: C+
Liberty does get some credit for leading most of the game. They were not intimidated by Taylor Heinicke and showed that they can play against one of the better teams in the FCS. However, they failed miserably in closing out the game. The Flames need to consistently and decisively defeat quality competition if they want to take the next step with their football program.
An overall grade of a C+ probably sounds right despite the disappointment of how the game ended. I will debate the offensive grade. Nearly the entire year, ODU was playing “efense” and Liberty only mustered 17 points against them despite forcing so many turnovers. On the other hand, the defense should get much more credit than a B for their efforts in pretty much shutting down one of, if not, the best FCS (or officially FBS transitional) offenses in the nation.