Liberty (8-0, 6-0 CUSA) defeated Western Kentucky (4-4, 2-2), 42-29, on Tuesday night in Bowling Green, Kentucky. With the win, the Flames secured a spot in the Conference USA Championship Game which will be played Friday, December 1.
The Flames utilized a dominating third quarter to provide the needed separation to defeat the Hilltoppers, the preseason favorites to win CUSA this season behind head coach Tyson Helton and quarterback Austin Reed.
“I thought our defense was really, really good for three quarters,” said Liberty head coach Jamey Chadwell following the win. “It showed up how we prepared. I’m pleased with our effort. I’m pleased with the mentality, the way they are practicing, not looking ahead, not worrying about the things we can’t control, but just coming in and finding a way to get better. That elusive being our best is still out there. We’ve still got something to chase.”
With the Flames leading 14-10 at halftime, Coach Chadwell and his team took control of the game after the break. Liberty outgained the home team, 166-42 in total yards in the third quarter, with 139 of those yards for the Flames coming through the rushing attack. The Flames had the ball for over 10 minutes in the period, scored one touchdown and another on the second play of the fourth quarter as the lead swelled to 28-10.
The Hilltoppers, on blackout night at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium, wouldn’t go down without a fight in the final period. They utilized two big scoring plays on busted coverages by the Liberty defense to stay within striking distance. The two teams would combine to score a touchdown on the final six possessions of the game, scoring 40 points in the last quarter for the final score of 42-29.
In the end, it was Liberty’s dominant rushing attack, particularly in the second half, that proved to be the deciding factor. The Flames entered the game ranked second in the country in rushing yards per game and added to that total with 323 rushing yards. Liberty was limited to only 87 first half rushing yards, but rolled to 236 yards on the ground in the final 30 minutes of the contest.
Coach Chadwell was very aggressive from the beginning of the game, going for it on fourth down three times in Liberty’s own territory in the first half, including once at the Flames’ 17 yard line. Liberty would finish the game converting all three of their fourth down plays.
All season long, Chadwell has had the CUSA Championship as the team’s goal. Now, the Flames have secured a spot in the title game with a month of the season left to play. If Liberty can win one of its last two conference games or have a New Mexico State conference loss, the Flames will be able to play the championship game at Williams Stadium.
“As a coach, you don’t give yourself a lot of time to think about that because there is something else coming. To be able to secure that is great. I told our team, we want to host it too. We’ve got a great opportunity in our next game to take care of business and be able to host it. They put themselves in a great position. The thing that you want your team to do is always be hungry for something more. Can we play better? It’s not necessarily the win, but can we continue to play our best game? We played really well in a lot of ways but it’s still out there. We’re thankful for it, grateful for it, but that’s not our ultimate goal yet.”
Liberty improves to 4-0 all-time against Western Kentucky, including a 3-0 mark in Bowling Green. The 8-0 start to the season matches the 2020 squad for the best ever start to a year in program history. This also marks the first time Liberty has ever started 6-0 in conference play.
The Flames are now the first team to ever win their first six CUSA games as conference members. Liberty has won 14 games overall against a CUSA opponent and are 15-1 all-time against CUSA foes.
Liberty’s eight game winning streak is the longest since winning 10 in a row, Nov. 30, 2019 through Nov. 14, 2020.
Kaidon Salter finished teh game completing 10 of his 15 passes for 169 yards and three touchdowns. He also led the team in rushing with 117 yards and 1 score on the ground on 13 rushing attempts.
Quinton Cooley added 76 yards rushing and a touchdown on 17 carries while Aaron Bedgood had 9 rushing attempts for 68 yards and a touchdown. Bedgood also secured three receptions for 43 yards while CJ Daniels led the team with 3 receptions for 67 yards and a score.
