In a hard fought battle, Liberty pulled away in the second half to beat Old Dominion 45-17. The Flames shined in all areas, but Malik Willis was the heartbeat of this win garnering six total touchdowns. This is Liberty’s third win this year and keeps them undefeated on the year. Their home game win streak has improved to 13.
- Liberty started their first drive with no huddle offense. Using short passes to their slot receivers, Malik Willis then found C.J. Daniels on the outside for a 14-yard reception, for his first receiving touchdown of the season.
- Old Dominion’s defense surprised many after forcing a punt on Liberty’s second drive, but Liberty powered back with a touchdown, to extend the lead 14-0. Willis had a 56-yard rush to reach the redzone, and then finished it off a 14-yard touchdown run again by Willis.
- Flames’ Demario Douglas fumbled the catch on the punt return and Old Dominion recovered the ball on Liberty’s 30-yard line. After a 3-and-out the Monarchs made a 43-yard field goal to open their scoring on the day.
- Liberty swiftly moved down the field early in the second quarter and Willis finished the drive with a 33-yard touchdown pass to C.J. Daniels with his 4th reception on the day to break his individual reception record (previous record of 3). Liberty pushed their lead 21-3 after this score.
- The Monarchs struggled mightily with a slow offensive start. However, in the second quarter, Old Dominion found themselves with a run-heavy offense that lead to their first touchdown of the day with a rushing touchdown for Old Dominion’s running back Elijah Davis. Davis is from Lynchburg, Va. and produced over 7,000 rushing yards at Heritage High School, prior to attending Old Dominion.
- Liberty caught a break with Old Dominion getting called for roughing the kicker on punter Max Morgan, which gave Liberty a revival on their ___ drive of the game. Willis then connected with wide receiver Kevin Shaa for a 38-yard touchdown reception, to put Liberty up by three scores for the second time of the game, 28-10.
- D.J. Mack settled in for Old Dominion with short quick throws nearing halftime, then opened up the passing game for the Monarchs with a 30-yard touchdown pass to Zack Kuntz for their second touchdown of the night, closing in on Liberty’s lead 28-17.
- With the control of the game starting to blur between the two teams, Liberty opened the second half with back to back sacks in a three-and-out for Old Dominion. After the second sack on third down, Old Dominion had to punt and gave Liberty the ball at Old Dominion’s 48-yard-line.
- Liberty wasted no time and marched down the field to score their fifth touchdown of the night. Liberty mustering up the score 35-17.
- Liberty offense got Johnny Huntley and Joshua Mack involved for the first time tonight, both with receptions, which sculpted Willis’ short run play into the endzone for his second touchdown of the night. Liberty lighting up Old Dominion 42-17.
Liberty will head to upper state New York to face off against Syracuse in the Carrier Dome, Sept. 24 at 8 p.m. on ACCN.
