Following Liberty’s season opening upset at Western Kentucky, 30-24, the ASOR player of the week to no one’s surprise, is Malik Willis.
Making his first start since high school in 2016, Willis showed no signs of rust. Torching the veteran laden Hilltopper defense, Willis threw for 133 yards and rushed for 168 yards and 3 TDs. Willis’ 168 rushing yards are the most in a single game by a QB in school history, breaking Mike Brown’s previous mark. Willis also became the first Flames QB to rush for 3 TDs in a game since 1979 and just the third quarterback to accomplish that feat in school history.
Willis had the advantage of nobody having game film of him going into the opener. Now, he must learn to adjust to defensive game plans against him as Willis and the Flames turn to game two this Saturday against Florida International. Kickoff against the Panthers is scheduled for 1 p.m. from Williams Stadium. The game will be televised by ESPN3.
