The Liberty Flames dropped to 2-3 after losing to New Mexico State, 49-41 on Saturday evening.
WHAT IT MEANS
Over the last 4 games, Liberty has allowed its opponent to gain over 500 yards of offense in each game. The first 3 occurrences, we all tried to reason them away. Army is Army and we’ve always struggled to stop the option. North Texas is really good, especially on offense. New Mexico only did their damage in the 2nd half when we were suffering from the effects of the environment. What do we say now?
The Aggies were able to get pressure on Buckshot most of the night. It seemed like this pressure really rattled him, and he forced throws that weren’t there, and even threw the ball before he had to on a couple of occasions. He still had a good game statistically speaking, and if we could take the 2 turnovers away, we probably win that game.
LOOKING AHEAD
The Flames got back to Lynchburg about 6AM Sunday. That sets up for a tough beginning to a new week, and Liberty has a tough test awaiting them this weekend. Troy enters this weekend’s game winners of 5 straight after their season opening loss to Boise State. Since that time, they’ve taken care of Florida A&M, Nebraska, Louisiana Monroe, Coastal Carolina, and Georgia State. Their 37-20 win over the Panthers came on Thursday night at home, giving them additional rest.
The Trojans are ranked #77 in ESPN’s FPI, coming in just behind the top two opponents Liberty has faced so far this season – Army (65) and North Texas (60). The Flames are given just a 27.8% chance at the win.
BY THE NUMBERS
500 | For the 4th consecutive game, Liberty’s defense surrendered over 500 yards of offense
16 | Entering the game, the Aggies were scoring an average of 16 points per game with a season-high of 27 coming in their previous game at UTEP.
5 | Liberty quarterback Buckshot Calvert was sacked a season high 5 times.
14 | The Aggies outscored the Flames 14-0 in points off turnovers.
