Quick hit notes following Liberty’s win over Monmouth

Here’s a few quick-hit notes following the Flames’ 34-24 win over Monmouth:

• Liberty came into the game as a 20 point favorite, but Monmouth would have none of it. After the Flames marched down the field on their opening drive to take a 7-0 lead, the Hawks successfully converted a double reverse pass for a touchdown to tie the game at 7.
• Monmouth used several reverses, misdirections, and a hurry up offense to keep Liberty’s defense off balance. The Hawks came into the game scoring just 12 points in their prior 2 games while Liberty’s defense had only allowed 7 points the last 2 weeks. MU had 14 points at halftime.
• The Flames’ defensive secondary looked confused on numerous occasions due to the Hawks’ multiple formation looks. Monmouth was the top Big South passing offense coming into the game, and they finished the game with 257 passing yards.
• Jacob Hagen had a big pass break up in the end zone on 3rd and goal on the Hawks’ first drive of the 2nd half. He may have been held on the play as he attempted to go for the interception. The play forced the Hawks to settle for the field goal as they were unable to take the lead.
• Liberty’s defensive line took over the game in the final minutes of the game. The Flames finished with 4 sacks on the afternoon led by Toby Onyechi’s 2. Chima Uzowihe finished with 1 sack, 2 tackles for a loss and 1 forced fumble.
• Numerous times throughout the game, Josh Woodrum was forced out of the pocket amid the Hawks’ pressure. He rarely had time to sit back and throw the ball downfield. The Hawks finished with 6 tackles for loss and 2 sacks.
• Josh was able to go over 7,000 career passing yards and threw his 49th career touchdown which ties him for 3rd on Liberty’s career TD passing list with Paul Johnson. Woodrum finished the game 13/19 passing for 203 yards and 2 touchdowns.
• Offensive coordinator Aaron Stamn continues to utilize the option and Josh’s ability to run the ball. Woodrum would finish with 32 rushing yards on 11 carries.
• D.J. Abnar continues his stellar play. He carried the ball a career-high 39 times and finished with 164 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns. His 39 carries are the most by a Flame since Eugene Goodman carried the rock 40 times in 2003 against Hofstra.
• With the win, Liberty sets up a winner take all showdown with Coastal Carolina on November 22nd regardless of what happens next week.
• But there still is a game next week as the Flames play host to Charleston Southern who won their last two games against Monmouth and Gardner-Webb  by a combined score of 71-14.