After a slow start for the Flames, they found themselves in another offensive shootout against MVFC member Indiana State. There was speculation that this game would be too close for comfort considering the Sycamores come from a stout conference who have 3 teams in the FCS Top 10. This battle-tested team, who rely heavily on the run game, found success through the air and had victory in their sights with the aid of Liberty’s sideline. They were sorely disappointed when Liberty’s special teams came through and blocked their way to 3-0.

Offense

Co-MVPs:

QB Buckshot Calvert

Buckshot continues his impressive sophomore outing as he threw for 379 yards and 4 touchdowns against the Sycamores. His pocket presence continues to improve and there was even a moment where Calvert’s movement looked very Aaron Rodger-esque. Buckshot now sits atop the FCS with 12 passing touchdowns and his 1107 passing yards rank 2nd. He is also well on his way to breaking all of Liberty’s single-season passing records.

WR Antonio Gandy-Golden

The Gandy-Golden highlight reel turned back on Saturday as he was a clear mismatch for Indiana State. Where to start? First off, an entire drive was dominated by Gandy in the 2nd quarter as he caught back to back passes for 26 yards each and a 13-yard slant for a TD to top it off. Or what about the pass he tipped up and caught with a CB and safety barring down on him that would be followed up by a TD pass to fellow WR Damian King right after? Gandy-Golden finished the night with 7 receptions for 171 yards and a TD.

Defense

MVP: DE Juwan Wells

After a quiet start to the 2017 season, Juwan Wells came to life Saturday night. Once the dust settled from the chaos, Wells accounted for 9 tackles, 2 tackles behind the line of scrimmage, a couple of QB hurries, and a sack (just Liberty’s 2nd of the season). With Dia’Vante Brown on the opposite side of the line, Wells can benefit from his pressure that makes for a disruptive group that any o-line has to adequately prepare for.

Special Teams

MVP: S Corbin Jackson

Would you expect any different? After a questionable timeout called by the coaching staff led to new life for Indiana State, it looked as though the Flames were about to drop to 2-1 on the season. The Sycamores, sitting at the Liberty 48 yard line, went 43 yards in 48 seconds to get into field goal range. The ball, now sitting at the Liberty 6-yard line, allowed the Sycamores to set up for a 23-yard field goal to get the upset against the Flames. What was a simple chip shot came off of Jerry Nunez’s foot just low enough for Jackson to get his hand in front of it. The ball rolled over his glove into the endzone and Liberty recovered, keeping the team perfect on the season.