The anticipation of a renovated stadium, the surprise of new uniforms, and the excitement of a fresh adventure were all realized Saturday night as the Flames introduced themselves to the FBS ranks with a crushing victory over in-state rival Old Dominion University. Now with this new season in motion, we are excited to continue our weekly MVP feature in which we will highlight an offensive player, defensive player, and special teams player who contributed to the game in a valuable way. Our season starts off with three players who find themselves earning their first every Weekly MVP Award!

OFFENSE

MVP: WR DJ Stubbs

Have a game, DJ Stubbs! After hauling in just 7 receptions for 50 yards his freshman year, Stubbs had a type of coming out party for the Flames Saturday night. He matched and surpassed his year one totals, catching 7 balls for 155 yards and a touchdown. With his performance, it is clear QB Buckshot Calvert has an overwhelming amount of offensive weapons that are sure to give defenses trouble through this season.

DEFENSE

MVP: S Elijah Benton

As a whole, Liberty’s defense deserves to be highlighted. The Flames limited ODU to 3.3 yards a carry, 172 passing yards, 3 or 16 on 3rd downs, had 5 tackles for loss and allowed just 10 points. But the MVP of that defense has to be Elijah Benton. The redshirt junior had 8 tackles on the night along with a pass break up.

SPECIAL TEAMS

MVP: K AARON PEART

Coach Turner Gill’s obscure approach to the injury report this week had Liberty fans worried what notable player would be absent from the field on Saturday. When it was announced that starting kicker Alex Probert was nursing a hamstring injury, JUCO transfer Aaron Peart was called on to handle kicking and punting responsibilities for Liberty’s inaugural FBS game. Despite the present pressures, Peart went 7-7 on extra points and 1-1 on field goal attempts.