LIBERTY’S DEFENSIVE LINE COMES ALIVE

After finishing the season opener against Campbell without picking up a sack, the Liberty defense pinned their ears back and got after Troy quarterback Taylor Powell, sacking him 5 times. The Flames were able to do this despite its top pass rusher from a season ago, Durrell Johnson, missing the game.

Storey Jackson led the way with 1.5 sacks, including the one on 3rd and goal in the final two minutes of the game, forcing the Trojans to take their final timeout of the game. Henry Chibueze added a sack of his own while Elijah James, Rashad Harding, and TreShaun Clark each had half a sack.

DEMARIO DOUGLAS WITH STRONG START TO SEASON

Liberty redshirt-freshman, yet in his third season with the team as the 2020 campaign did not count against anyone’s eligibility, led the team in receiving against Campbell a week ago with 7 receptions for 84 yards while scoring the team’s first touchdown of the year, a 35 yard score on Liberty’s first drive.

Douglas followed that performance up with another strong outing Saturday night in Alabama against Troy. He again scored the team’s first touchdown of the game, once again coming on the team’s opening drive. This score came after Douglas went in motion and ran down the right sideline where Malik Willis would connect with him for a 32 yard touchdown. Douglas had 3 receptions for 42 yards and the one score against Troy.

DEFENSE DOMINATES

Liberty’s defense completely dominated Troy on Saturday night. This was a Trojans team who put up 55 points and over 400 yards of offense in their season opening win of Southern last week. That wouldn’t be the case against the Flames.

Troy gained 75 yards and a touchdown on their opening drive. They then did not successfully sustain a long drive or score any additional points until their final possession of the game. The Flames held Troy to just 21 rushing yards, holding them to 0.9 yards per rush. Liberty had 4 sacks and an interception. Troy started the game 4/5 on third downs, but they finished the game by failing to convert its final 6 third down opportunities.

FLAMES OVERCOME SEVERAL PLAYER ABSENCES

As the week progressed, it became more and more clear that the Flames were going to be missing several key pieces this week at Troy. We mentioned several of those names who’s status was in jeopardy throughout the week. Just ahead of kickoff Saturday night, it became official that Liberty would be without several key contributors including starting defensive end Durrell Johnson and starting right tackle Cooper McCaw.

CB Marcus Haskins, who is one of three primary corners that sees playing time, was also out, as was wide receiver Jaivian Lofton and defensive lineman Khristian Zachary.

“It was the first time we played in front of a crowd that’s not for us,” Liberty head coach Hugh Freeze said. “Obviously, we played last week at home, but their student section is right on top of you, and they were not kind to us as most people are when you’re at home for sure. We were short handed. We were thin. It’s next man up. Hopefully we can get some kids healthy and back over the next few days, and hopefully we will practice better this week. I think they got the message. I think they know it now, and they received that. I expect us to have a better week of practice.”