A few quick-hit notes following Liberty’s 62-27 win over Hampton to move to 2-2:

  • The first quarter was one of the wildest quarters of football. It lasted just over an hour and saw everything from two touchdown returns called back by penalty, a surprise onside kick, a player seriously injured despite not getting into the game, missed extra points, and so much more.
  • Johnathan Bennett was that player injured. It happened as reserve quarterback Brandon Robinson came in on for a first quarter play with Liberty facing a 2nd and goal at the 2 yard line. On the first play of his career, Robinson took the QB keeper into the end zone. As he returned to the sideline, he was greeted by Bennett. They both jumped in the air to celebrate, and as JB returned to the field his left leg buckled underneath him. It didn’t look good. His leg was immediately put in an air cast as the medical cart came onto the field and carted him to the locker room. He returned to the sidelines on crutches in the 2nd quarter.
  • Robinson came in relief of Calvert with 8 minutes left in the 3rd quarter as he now assumes title of backup quarterback. He showed good command of the offense, and boy can he run. Robinson’s highlight of the night was a 75 yard QB keeper on 3rd and long that he took to the house.
  • Antonio Gandy-Golden again looked like a man among boys. He had 2 touchdowns and 121 yards on just 3 first half receptions. His 2nd touchdown tied Darrin Peterson for most career touchdown receptions in school history with 27. He finished with 181 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns on 4 receptions. He came just one yard from breaking the record.
  • After having his best game of his young career last week against Buffalo, true freshman corner Kei’Trel Clark made his first career start in place of injured starter Bejour Wilson. We highlighted his ascension in the depth chart this week in our feature story.
  • Liberty’s cornerback depth was tested late in the game and could be tested next week against New Mexico. Bejour Wilson missed the game with a mild sprain to his left ankle. Emanuel Dabney and Jimmy Faulks left the game against the Pirates early. Liberty finished the game with true freshmen Kei’Trel Clark and Tayvion Land as well as Isaiah Avery.
  • Joshua Mack made a good impression on his few carries, leading all running backs with 55 yards on 10 carries. He also had 1 touchdown.
  • Liberty returns to action next Saturday with its third straight home contest against New Mexico.