Liberty (1-0, 0-0 CUSA) was able to pick up the win and defeat Campbell (0-1), 41-24 on Saturday evening at Williams Stadium in Lynchburg, Virginia in front of 21,573 fans.

Everything was going against the visiting Camels to open the game. They had a bad snap on the first play from scrimmage, leading to a 10-yard loss and eventual three and out. Brylan Green would return the ensuing punt 45 yards to the 16. Just four plays later and Quinton Cooley had his first rushing touchdown of the season, putting the Flames ahead 7-0.

From there, Campbell was able to compose themselves and punch back. They would break a 64-yard run up the middle to set up a first and goal. Dexter Ricks did a tremendous job chasing down the runner to keep him out of the end zone. The Flames’ defense would stiffen and force a field goal. Liberty would drive back into the Campbell red zone only to miss a 33-yard field goal from Colin Karhu, continuing a trend of disappointing performances from kickers.

In the second quarter, Salter would lose control of the ball and fumble near midfield. It set up great field position for the Camels, who utilized a 36-yard pass and run on 3rd and 9 to get into the end zone for the first time and take the 10-7 lead.

After a nearly 40 minute weather delay, Liberty would get back on the board and even the score at 10 with a 25-yard Karhu field goal. The Flames would force a punt to get the ball back. Kaidon Salter connected with Treon Sibley on a 10-yard pass, but Sibley was able to break free from two defenders and win a foot race to the end zone to put Liberty back on top at 17-10 entering halftime.

Liberty went 58 yards in 11 plays and 6 minutes on the first drive of the second half, getting into the end zone thanks to a Salter pass to Hanshaw from two-yards out, and pushing the score to 24-10. The Flames added a second Karhu field goal before the Camels marched back down the field and into the end zone, aided by a 74 yard pass and run from Sincere Brown, cutting the Liberty lead to 27-17. A second drive that lasted 6 minutes and ended in a touchdown would push the margin to 34-17 as the Flames zeroed in on victory number 1 for 2024.

RUN DEFENSE WITH STRONG PERFORMANCE

One of the weaknesses of the Liberty defense last season was its ability to stop opponents’ rushing attacks. For the season opener against the Camels, the run defense was much better throughout the majority of the night.

The Flames did surrender a 64-yard run in the first quarter that set up the first points for the Camels on the evening, but, other than that one play, the run defense held the Camels in check. Other than that, Campbell was only able to rush for 52 yards on 31 rushing attempts.

Honestly, the entire defense played very good for the majority of the night. Yes, the team allowed 24 points (7 of those coming in the final minutes) to an FCS opponent, but 10 of those points were setup by two very long plays. Of course, you can’t erase those two plays, and the team will have to work to erase those explosive plays in the future.

CONCERNS AT KICKER, OL REMAIN

It has been the case really ever since the Flames made the move to the FBS, but issues at kicker continue. Liberty brought in North Greenville transfer Colin Karhu to add competition in the room with Nick Brown who struggled to find consistency in 2023. After a tight competition throughout the off-season that lasted until game week, Karhu got the nod. He missed his first field goal attempt in a Liberty uniform, coming from 33 yards. Karhu would go on to finish 2 of 3 from field goals while making all four extra points on the evening.

Meanwhile, at offensive line, Liberty is fighting through some injuries. First, expected starter at left guard, John Paul Flores suffered an injury late in the preseason, forcing him to miss the game. Early in the opener tonight against Campbell, starting right tackle Xavior Gray exited the game with an undisclosed injury. An already thin position has become even more thin early in the season.

OFFENSE STILL WARMING UP

It took the Flames some time to get going, especially in the first half. This is an offense that was one of the most explosive in the country a season ago. With many of the same pieces returning, Liberty is hoping to have another explosive offense once again.

It was the rushing attack that led the way last season and should be strong once again this season. It may take some time for the offense to work through some kind with some new pieces on the offensive line and in the receiving corp.

Liberty finished the night with 533 yards of offense, 279 yards coming on the ground with 254 coming through the air. Salter completed 16 of 23 passes for 242 yards and 2 touchdowns while also rushing nine times for 48 yards. Cooley led the team with 110 yards and a score on 16 carries. Billy Lucas led the team with 17 rushes as he ran for 78 yards and a touchdown.

Up Next

Liberty will hit the road for the first time this season and open up conference play next Saturday at New Mexico State. The Aggies open their season tonight against FCS foe SE Missouri. Kick was at 9 p.m. and is on ESPN+. Next week’s game between the Flames and Aggies will be a rematch of last year’s CUSA Conference Championship Game that Liberty won, 49-35.