Miami, FL – The Liberty Flames traveled into Miami against FIU in a conference clash, securing a 24-10 victory at Riccardo Silva Stadium. The Flames, looking to stay atop of Conference USA.
First Half: Grueling Battle
The game kicked off with an electric atmosphere as both teams were eager to make a statement. FIU came flat, the running game was quickly shutdown by the Flames defense. Liberty responded quickly, Running Back Quinton Cooley, who has been a standout for the Flames this season, took off for a 59-yd touchdown run on the Flames first offensive play of the game. After the quick score by Liberty, the game was quiet on the offensive side for both teams, FIU struggled to move the ball, but their defense stepped up forcing a few turnovers.
The Panthers capitalized off of one of the 2 interceptions thrown by Kaidon Salter, with a 40-yd field goal by Chase Gabriel to make the score 7-3. While the Panthers looked to find some sort of momentum at home, Liberty looked to close out the half strong when Kaidon Salter led the offense down the field on some big plays to finish out the first half on a 1-yd QB run up the middle to push the lead to 14-3 and quieting the FIU crowd.
Second Half: Flames Rise
Coming out of the break, Liberty’s offense hit its stride. Salter, who has struggled throughout the season and in the first half, came out strong and found his, wide receiver Treon Sibley, deep down the field for a 72-yd touchdown to increase the lead to 21-3. The Panthers looked to respond and stay alive in this game before it got ugly, Keyone Jenkins help secure an impressive drive that resulted in a 9-yd touchdown pass to Eric Rivers and keep FIU in the game. However, Liberty continued to add on to their lead by a, Colin Karhu 50-yd field goal, to move it back to a 2-score game.
FIU tried to respond with some quick passes and runs, but Liberty’s defense – led by linebacker Elijah James, who had 10 tackles on the day – stifled the Panthers’ attempts to move the ball efficiently. The Flames’ secondary also came up with a key interception in the fourth quarter, and some big stops to get off the field when needed. Liberty closed out the game with the ball and a few kneel downs to come out on top, 24-10 and a key conference win.
Looking Ahead:
With the win, Liberty improves to 3-4 (3-0) on the season, solidifying their position atop of C-USA. They will return home next week for a matchup against Kennesaw State and back on the road at Jacksonville State.
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