The Flames fall to 1-2 on the season after losing to SMU, 29-14. Here’s our quick-hit notes:
- The game was there for the taking, the Flames just didn’t take it. The final score is much larger than the game dictated. Liberty had the ball with 5 minutes to play and was trailing 19-14.
- So, do we have a quarterback controversy now? Coach Gill has been adamant all along that Masha is his guy. Stephon threw 3 interceptions in the first 2 1/2 quarters, Buckshot Calvert came in, led the offense to a touchdown. He didn’t come out after that. Masha finished the game 9-for-16 passing for 64 yards and 3 interceptions. Buckshot finished 9-for-20 for 119 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception. The true freshman definitely has room to grow, but the offense performed much better with him in the game.
- The defense gave up nearly 500 yards of offense, but they did what was needed to give the team a chance to win. SMU had 6 red zone trips on the night that ended with just 9 points. The Flames’ defense intercepted two passes in the end zone, and the defensive line consistently got pressure on the Mustangs’ quarterback.
- Braeden West ran for 224 yards and 2 touchdowns. He ran through his fair share of Liberty arm tackles. He was clearly the player of the game.
- Carrington Mosley was clearly the best running back on the night for Liberty. He rushed for 59 yards and 1 touchdown on 19 carries. He’s so big and strong that he’s always pushing the pile forward. Todd Macon only had 3 carries on the night, and he was seen on the sideline with his arm in a sling. Frankie Hickson played well for the 2nd straight game, finishing with 36 yards on 8 carries.
- Penalties were again an issue. The Flames finished with 7 flags thrown on them for a total of 88 yards. Several of them came at key points, and 2 of them took points off the board.
- Interesting week ahead of us as we prepare for the 2015 FCS runner-up and top 5 Jacksonville State. We’ll have plenty more coverage on this game and the big game week looming, so stay tuned!
