The Liberty Flames (8-5) were able to pick up a third consecutive bowl win on Saturday night in Mobile, Alabama, defeating the Eastern Michigan Eagles (7-6), 56-20. Here are a few quick hit notes following the game:

  • Skyler Thomas made a highlight worthy pick six in the first quarter to turn the game around and the Flames never looked back. Liberty led 7-3 in the first quarter when Thomas broke through the line and into the backfield. He deflected the pass and was able to adjust to the deflection for the interception that he returned 27 yards for a touchdown.
  • Eastern Michigan opened the game with a very impressive offensive drive to take a 3-0 lead. The drive went 14 plays for 66 yards and took more than 7 minutes of time off the clock. From there, Liberty would dominate the game.
  • In his final game at Liberty, Malik Willis showcased all of his skills. This was the Malik Willis that Liberty fans have come to know and love over the past two seasons. He finished the game completing 13 of 24 passes for 231 yards and 3 touchdowns. He carried the ball 8 times for 58 yards and another two touchdowns.
  • The Flames took advantage of their speed advantage on the field, particularly on offense. Liberty’s game plan early featured plenty of their speed guys – Shedro Louis, Demario Douglas, and DJ Stubbs. The Flames attacked the Eastern Michigan defense on the edge and down the field.
  • Losing his mother unexpectedly last week, Storey Jackson
  • One sour point was Liberty’s special teams unit. Three kickers missed extra points on the night, however only two of them counted. First string kicker Brayden Beck missed an extra point in the first quarter. The Flames then trotted out Nick Brown in the second quarter. He missed his extra point but a penalty on Eastern Michigan cancelled out the play. On the re-try, Jason Stricker attempted the point after and missed it. Beck would return for the ensuing extra points and finished the game 3 of 4 on extra points (though one of his tries was not attempted as the hold was not gathered). Beck also made a 43 yard field goal.
  • After dropping three straight games to end the regular season, the Flames are able to bounce back to finish the year on a high note.
  • With the win, it marks Liberty’s third bowl victory in its third year of full FBS bowl eligibility. The Flames join Appalachian State and Marshall as the only FBS programs to win eight or more games in each of their first three seasons as fully bowl eligible FBS members after transitioning from FCS.
  • Liberty has now won eight or more games 13 times in program history. Liberty, Marshall, and Appalachian State are the only FBS programs to win eight or more games in each of their first three seasons as fully bowl eligible FBS members after transitioning from FCS.
  • Hugh Freeze is now 5-1 in bowl games including 3-0 at Liberty. He’s incredibly difficult to beat when he has extra time to prepare.