The Flames welcomed New Mexico State to Hill City on Saturday for the back end of a home-home agreement for the year. These two met some seven weeks ago for an offensive battle where the teams combined for over 1,000 yards and 90 points. The Aggies claimed victory in round 1. Things were a little different this past weekend as NMSU’s only offensive score came late in the 4th quarter and Liberty didn’t score at all in the 2nd half. In one of their most impressive defensive performances of the year, the Flames forced 2 turnovers, nabbed an INT for a TD, held the Aggies to 2-7 on 4th down conversations, allowed just 83 rushing yards, and didn’t allow a score until 1:46 was left in the 4th quarter. Thanks to this and a couple TD tosses from QB Buckshot Calvert, the Flames evened the series with the Aggies and improved to 5-6 on the year.
OFFENSE
MVP: RB FRANKIE HICKSON
The Flames struggled offensively Saturday, managing just 295 yards and 21 points which were well below their average for the season. All of their action came in the first half as they didn’t score in the 2nd half and put together just 80 yards of offense. Despite the stagnant play, RB Frankie Hickson served as the workhorse for the Flames and proved valuable for their win against the Aggies. The junior got 27 carries on the day. Compare that to RB Kentory Matthews who was the next 2nd leading carrier with 8 totes. Hickson finished the day with 116 rushing yards and a 4.3 average per carry plus a catch for 10 yards.
DEFENSE
MVP: LB Solomon Ajayi
As previously mentioned, the defense was the highlight of the day for the Flames. At the center of it all was LB Solomon Ajayi. The Texas native had one of his best games of the season with 8 tackles and aided in a TFL. But it was his INT in the 1st quarter that made all the difference. After falling behind 10-0 early, the Aggies needed to get something going to stay in the game. Ajayi had other plans as he watched the eyes of NMSU QB Josh Adkins, fell under the coverage and snagged an INT, returning it 26 yards for a TD. Considering the Flames won by 7, this defensive score very well could have been the difference maker.
SPECIAL TEAMS
MVP: K Alex Probert
A hamstring injury limited Probert’s availability and impact throughout the season. While he has seen action in 3 other games this year, it felt as though he wasn’t fully healthy or up to game speed yet. But his performance Saturday changed that, making it clear that the former FCS All-American is healthy and can alter a game. Probert connected on both of his field goals for the day, the most impressive one coming near the end of the 2nd quarter. After losing 3 yards on 3rd and 5, Liberty sent out Probert to try a 51-yard field goal from the NMSU 34. He nailed it right down the middle with plenty of room to spare. His longest FG this year with limited play before that? 37 yards.
