Would you expect anything less? The Malik for Heisman campaign got off to a healthy start behind Willis’ 217 passing yards and 1 TD on 15-23 passing. He also had 5 rushes for 55 yards with another TD. Malik went to the bench at the start of the 4th quarter with the game well under control.
Malik’s first pass of the game was a 35 yard TD toss to WR DeMario Douglas. On the second drive, he set up a 6 yard TD run by RB Joshua Mack thanks to a 40 yard bomb to WR DJ Stubbs. Willis had another explosive play to Stubbs on the third offensive drive of the game, leading to an eventual FG attempt.
Apart from the first couple possessions, the Liberty offense was stagnant throughout the first half. Everything changed in the final minute of the second quarter when Willis started to use his legs. The Flames first faced a 3rd and 10 on the LU36. Malik scrambled for 13 yards and a first down. A few plays later, Liberty had a 2nd and 9 forced by a false start. Willis took off down the middle for a 20 yard gain to midfield. He had to show off his arm with an 18 yard toss to RB TJ Green before capping off the drive with a 12 yard run into the endzone. A key part of Liberty’s offensive success last season was Malik’s rushing ability and we saw the difference it made against Campbell after a lull in action.
The Flames would go on to score five straight TDs, putting the Camels out of reach and sealing the first win of the season, 48-7.
