While it took the offense two quarters to get rolling, Liberty’s defense was a consistent force throughout the game against UAB Saturday night. Things looked promising for the Blazers early on behind two offensive drives of 55 and 75 yards. The defense stiffened though, allowing just 3 points and forcing a turnover on downs. This was the beginning of a stout defensive showing which allowed 173 rushing yards (59 of which came on one run against the 3rd stringers), 152 passing yards, and 12 points.
At the center of it all was LB Storey Jackson who has become a staple of the Flames defense. The Prairie View A&M transfer had a solid performance Saturday that earns him this weeks Player of the Week. Jackson led the team with 7 tackles, added a sack, and snagged Liberty’s lone takeaway for the game.
Jackson’s night took off at the start of the 2nd quarter when he stood up UAB QB Dylan Hopkins on a 3rd down run to force a 3-and-out for the Blazers. The second 3-and-out he forced came in the 3rd quarter. The UAB offense faced a 3rd and 10 from their own 24. Jackson shot up the middle, sacking Hopkins back to the UAB14. This set this Flames up with premium field position, leading to a 39-yard TD pass from QB Malik Willis to WR CJ Daniels on the first play of their next drive.
It wasn’t until the 4th quarter that the Blazer offense started to move the ball. After UAB picked up their first first downs of the half and moved to midfield, Jackson slid over the middle and snagged a one-handed INT, sending all the Liberty starters to the bench for the remainder of the game.
