Liberty (5-1, 3-1 CUSA) was shocked by previously winless Kennesaw State (1-6, 1-3 CUSA), 27-24 on Wednesday evening in Kennesaw, Georgia.

The Flames started off hot. Getting a stop on the Owls’ first possession and then an 11-play, very efficient scoring drive. It finished with a 15-yard touchdown pass from Kaidon Salter to Treon Sibley on third down.

From there, the momentum quickly changed. Kennesaw State connected on a 41-yard touchdown strike to tie the game. The Flames were putting together another strong drive but it stalled in KSU territory, where they turned it over on downs. KSU came right back and scored another touchdown on just four plays to take a 14-7 lead.

The teams exchanged punts for most of the remaining half. Liberty would tie the game with less than a minute remaining in the first half when Salter found Donte Lee for a 15-yard touchdown pass on 3rd and 4, tying the contest at 14. It was Lee’s first touchdown reception at Liberty.

The Flames went three and out to open the second half, and Kennesaw State was able to get the lead back once again. The Owls marched 60 yards, converted a 4th down on a pass interference call to keep the drive alive, and took the 21-14 lead. Liberty would get back into Kennesaw territory but had to settle for a 47-yard Colin Karhu field goal, cutting the deficit to 21-17.

The Owls got those three points back on the ensuing drive with a 31-yard field goal, on a drive that was extended with a 3rd down roughing the passer penalty on the Flames.  Penalties would continue to hurt Liberty throughout the game. Kennesaw added a field goal with 4:13 remaining to take a 10-point advantage.

Salter connected with Elijah Canion for a 19-yard touchdown score to make it 27-24 with 1:49 left. Liberty was unable to recover the onside kick, allowing Kennesaw State to run the clock down to less than 10 seconds remaining before giving the ball back to Liberty. The Flames had two plays to try to get a last second miracle, but were unable to do so.

SLOW STARTS CONTINUE

For the sixth time in six games to begin the season, Liberty faced a deficit in a contest, as slow starts have become a recurring issue for the team. On Wednesday night, the Flames got burnt.

It seemed like that was likely to change in Kennesaw on Wednesday night after the Flames got a stop on the first drive of the game and the offense had a very efficient scoring drive to take the 7-0 lead. That changed quickly as the Owls answered with a few big plays and two straight scoring drives to take the 14-7 lead. It was the first time this season the Owls scored back to back offensive touchdowns as they have been one of the worst offenses in the FBS.

After going down by two scores in the fourth quarter, the Flames were unable to come from behind and earn the victory.

PENALTIES, PENALTIES, PENALTIES

Like the slow starts, the Flames have been playing with fire with penalties throughout the year. It finally cost them.

On one example, with Liberty trailing by seven late in the game, the Flames moved the ball near the red zone and faced a 3rd and 1 looking to potentially tie the game. Liberty would be whistled with a false start, then called a timeout to avoid a delay of game, threw an incomplete pass, were whistled for another false start, and then threw an incomplete pass on 4th and 11 to turn the ball over on downs.

That sequence ultimately did the team in.

UNBEATEN SEASON OVER, HOW WILL TEAM RESPOND

The unbeaten season is over. The CFP talk can be put to bed. How will the team respond?

The Flames still have a lot to play for. The team can get back to a bowl game and also compete for a CUSA Championship. It won’t be easy with some tough games remaining, but the team has the talent to win out. Maybe this loss will be a good wake up call for them? Maybe not. Only time will tell. We will have to see how the team responds from real adversity for the first time under Chadwell.

Up Next

Liberty will conclude its October and midweek slate next Wednesday night, October 30 against Jacksonville State. The Gamecocks are about to be 4-3 on the season and 3-0 in CUSA play as they are currently leading Middle Tennessee by multiple possessions late in the game. Kickoff from Williams Stadium in Lynchburg, Virginia is scheduled for 7 p.m.

*photo courtesy Liberty University Athletics