Here are a few quick-hit notes following #21 Liberty’s 15-14 loss at NC State:

  • For a second straight game against an ACC opponent, it came down to an Alex Barbir field goal. This time, from 39 yards, his kick was blocked.
  • The Flames fall for the first time this season, moving to 8-1 on the season.
  • Malik Willis finished the game 13 of 32 for 172 yards with 3 interceptions. His two thrown picks in the 4th quarter proved very costly.
  • It was a difficult first 28 minutes of the first half for the Flames as the Wolfpack were dominating on the field. Prior to the final two minutes, NC State was outgaining Liberty, 209-57. The Wolfpack had three red zone trips in the first half, but were only able to put up 7 points.
  • On their first possession of the game, NC State was able to drive into the red zone with little push back before the Flames defense stiffened forcing a 37 yard field goal attempt which was no good. After punts on their next two drives, the Wolfpack got into the end zone on their second red zone trip. On their final possession of the first half, which came after Malik Willis’ second interception of the season, NC State again got into the red zone. That drive stalled primarily due to a botched snap that went for a loss of 13 yards. Two plays later, on 3rd and 20, Cedric Stone intercepted the Wolfpack pass near the goal line.
  • Liberty took over with just over two minutes remaining in the first half, and Willis and the Flames came through in a crucial moment. Liberty drove the length of the field, culminating in a 12-yard touchdown pass from Willis to Noah Frith to tie the game at 7 with 19 seconds left in the half. Huge response for the Flames to give the team some confidence heading into the locker and Liberty got the ball to start the second half.
  • The Flames would continue to ride that momentum into the second half where the team would take its first lead of the game early in the 3rd quarter.
  • After early struggles in the game, the Liberty defense made adjustments and shut the NC State offense down for the entire third quarter.
  • Liberty was unable to find much success running on first down. Plays that had typically gone for a gain of at least 3-4 yards, were being stopped most of the night by the Wolfpack for little to no gain. It completely changed the Flames’ plan of attack.
  • Liberty will return to action this coming Friday for the home finale against UMass.

*photo courtesy Liberty Athletics