Liberty Flames Overcome New Mexico State Aggies in a 30-24 Victory
In a captivating match-up at Aggie Memorial Stadium, the Liberty Flames edged out the New Mexico State Aggies with a final score of 30-24, elevating their season tally to an undefeated 2-0 while nudging their hosts down to a balanced 1-1 record.
The evening's contest drew a crowd of 16,562 spectators who were treated to a game that showcased not only physical strength but also strategic acumen. The visiting Flames lit up the scoreboard by accumulating an impressive total of 473 yards on offense. This was thanks in large part to quarterback Kaidon Salter, who threw for 256 yards with a completion rate of 55 percent, showcasing both accuracy and poise.
On the ground, Quinton Cooley was nothing short of spectacular for Liberty, rushing for 111 yards on just twelve carries and crossing into the end zone twice. His longest sprint covered 44 yards, underscoring his ability to break away and change the course of the game at any moment. Vaughn Blue complemented Cooley's efforts with his own swift moves, racking up 61 yards over four carries and adding depth to Liberty's running game.
The defensive side saw TJ Bush Jr. making significant impacts by securing two sacks and five tackles along with two hits on New Mexico State's quarterback. His relentless pressure was key in disrupting the Aggies' offensive flow. Quinton Reese also made headlines on defense by forcing a fumble that highlighted Liberty’s knack for seizing control at pivotal junctures.
Liberty’s special teams contributed valuably as well; Colin Karhu nailed three field goals adding nine points to their score while Max Morgan’s punting prowess frequently left New Mexico State grappling with challenging starting positions.
Despite facing challenges such as lesser possession time and heavier penalties - eleven infractions costing them a total of 122 yards - Liberty displayed resilience and strategic execution when it counted most.
Looking forward, fans can anticipate an exciting encounter as the Liberty Flames are set to welcome UTEP Miners at Williams Stadium in Virginia on September 14th at six o'clock in the evening Eastern Daylight Time. This upcoming fixture promises more action and will be available live via ESPN+.