We have seen a lull in QB Malik Willis’ Heisman campaign over the last three weeks. Behind back-to-back 3 interception games and a brief absence due to injury, momentum toward the highest college football honor had slowed. Liberty’s game against UMass offered a much needed jolt for the junior who returned to form and posted season highs, earning him ASOR Player of the Week honors.
Things got started early for Willis thanks to a pair of turnovers forced by the defense and he didn’t look back. On Liberty’s second possession of the game, Willis simply pitched the ball forward toward WR DeMario Douglas who took it in for the 6-yard score. Two drives later, the Flames worked their way up to their own 40 behind three straight completions by Willis. Now 3rd and 9, Willis took three step back in the pocket and launched a beautiful over-the-shoulder toss to WR DJ Stubbs for the 60 yard score.
Now midway through the second quarter, Liberty started their drive at their 28. It only took two passes from Willis, one to WR CJ Daniels and another to WR Noah Frith, for the Flames to score again. On their next drive, Liberty entered the 2-minute drill which highlighted all of Malik’s talents and resulted in a 4-yard TD toss to TE Johnny Huntley. Willis accounted for 70 of their 72 yards on the drive.
We we should also mention that despite going to the bench with 6:15 left in the 3rd quarter, Malik finished with a season high 307 passing yards. He also had 4 passing TDs for the second time this season and added another 37 yards rushing. Willis is now responsible for 30+ touchdowns in back-to-back seasons for Liberty, the first player to ever do so.
