Liberty (2-0, 1-0) defeated New Mexico State (1-2, 0-1), 33-17, on Saturday evening at Williams Stadium in Lynchburg, Virginia.
Things got off to a slow start for the Flames on their home turf as New Mexico State quickly and easily marched down the field for a touchdown on the opening possession of the game. Liberty quarterback Kaidon Salter then lost a fumble as the Flames were driving deep into Aggies’ territory.
Liberty would respond from there. The defense forced a quick three and out, and Kaidon Salter connected with CJ Daniels, who made a nice run after the catch, for a 40-yard touchdown score to tie the game at seven.
The teams would trade scores on their next four drives with Liberty leading 20-17 late in the first half. Liberty safety Brylan Green made a momentum turning play as he stepped in front of a Diego Pavia pass to record Liberty’s sixth interception of the young season. The Flames would capitalize on the turnover and Teagen Lenderink’s 22-yard field goal in the final minute of the first half to push the lead to 23-17 at intermission.
The Flames got the opening kickoff of the second half and took advantage. A 9 minute drive, ending in a two-yard Kaidon Salter touchdown run on the quarterback keeper, extended the lead to 30-17.
KAIDON SALTER IS THAT GUY
Liberty quarterback Kaidon Salter continues to impress. After a strong performance in the week 1 opener against Bowling Green, No. 7 took it another step this week against New Mexico State.
After rushing for nearly 100 yards on 19 carries last week, Salter did most of his damage through the air against hte Aggies. He finished the game 15 of 25 passing for 276 yards and 2 touchdowns. He also rushed for 43 yards and 2 touchdowns on 9 carries. His passing yards are the most by a Liberty quarterback since Malik Willis did so, as Salter surpassed his previous career high of 256 passing yards that he set at Wake Forest last year.
More than his stats, Salter time and time again made the right play. He went through his progressions, stood in the pocket when needed, and delivered the ball. He made the short throws, intermediate throws, and deep balls.
OFFENSE DOMINATES
Liberty’s opening drive of the game went 46 yards and moved deep into NMSU before Salter fumbled the ball and the Aggies took over. From there, the offense dominated. Liberty scored points on six consecutive drives to take control of the game moving into the 4th quarter.
The Flames were able to move the ball on the ground and through the air throughout the game. Liberty went over 500 yards of total offense, finishing the game with 526 as 276 came through the air and 250 on the ground.
9 MINUTE DRIVE 3RD QUARTER DRIVE CRUCIAL
After taking a 23-17 lead into intermission, Liberty received the opening kickoff of the second half. The Flames marched down the field and took over 9 minutes of time off the clock. Salter capped the drive with his two-yard touchdown run.
That drive led to Liberty holding the ball for 12 minutes and 17 seconds of the third quarter as the Flames extended their lead to two scores. NMSU would not be able to find any consistency after the Liberty opening drive as the Flames would cruise to the win.
Up Next
Liberty will step out of conference play for the final time until November as the Flames head north to take on the Buffalo Bulls. Buffalo is currently 0-2 on the season. They began the year with a 38-17 loss at No. 19 Wisconsin and 40-37 to Fordham on Saturday night.
