The new look Liberty offense behind new quarterback Malik Willis shined in its debut as the Flames upset the home-standing Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, 30-24.
“I think it’s a big win for our program,” Liberty head coach Hugh Freeze said. “They had 9 wins last year in Conference USA and probably expected to battle for that championship this year in that conference. We knew that this would be a good measuring stick for where we were in game 1 of year 2 of FBS play. To come here and beat a senior laden team that added a quarterback from Maryland, I think is a great start for us in year 2.”
Willis finished the game with a team-high 168 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns while also passing 13 of 21 passes for 133 yards. Willis led a rushing attack that amassed 354 yards on the ground. That marked the most rushing yards in a game for Liberty since the Flames rushed for 429 yards at Presbyterian on Oct. 13, 2012. The 58 rushing attempts Liberty had were the most since rushing 61 times against Charleston Southern on Oct. 30, 2004.
Willis’ 168 rushing yards break Mike Brown’s single-game rushing record by a Liberty quarterback, as Brown rushed for 160 yards against Stony Brook on Nov. 20, 2010.
“We’re pleased with most of his play today,” Freeze said of Willis. “He made some mistakes that we can correct, but we knew he was athletic. Knew we could do some things in the run game with him and I thought he was efficient in throwing the football.”
The defense opened the game on the field for Liberty, and under 2nd year defensive coordinator Scott Symons, the Flames were very impressive to begin the game. WKU went three and out on their first two possessions, being held to -3 yards on the 6 plays.
Starting a new quarterback for the first time in 4 years, Liberty turned to Malik Willis to replace Buckshot Calvert. It didn’t take long for Willis to prove he belonged. On his first place, Willis found DJ Stubbs open for a 12-yard completion. The drive ended in a 4-yard Willis keeper for a touchdown, giving the Flames a 7-0 lead. On the first possession, Willis completed both of his passes for 44 yards while adding 6 rushing yards on 2 carries.
Liberty’s second drive went 14 plays for 70 yards and ended in a 24-yard Alex Barbir field goal, giving the Flames a 10-0 advantage late in the first quarter. Willis was again impressive on the drive with 14 rushing yards and completing 3 of 6 passes. Peytton Pickett had 25 rushing yards on the drive, as well.
The WKU offense made some adjustments after their first two series and strung together three consecutive drives that ended in points as they tied the game at 17 early in the third quarter. Willis, and the Flames, would respond though.
On the first play of the ensuing possession, Malik kept the ball on the RPO play and ran for 51 yards around the right side of the line. It was the first play of a four play drive that went 84 yards and ended in a touchdown to give Liberty the lead 24-17. Kick returner Shedro Louis made his debut at running back on the drive, picking up 39 yards on the ground including the final 29 that came on a touchdown scamper.
Willis’ 3rd and final touchdown run, which would prove to be the difference maker, came on Liberty’s first drive of the 4th quarter from 18 yards out. The Flames’ defense and ground game were able to grind out the final 10 minutes of the game giving the Flames the victory in the season opener.
“My confidence grew quite a bit,” Willis said. “I was just so happy to see our offense clicking like that. Our O-Line was amazing. Our running backs were amazing. Our receivers were catching everything. It made me really happy to know all these difference pieces I have around me, all these different people I have around me. Great people, great players. It was just a great day.”
Liberty returns to Lynchburg for the first of three consecutive home games next Saturday against Florida International at 1 p.m.
