The Liberty Flames Football team extended its winning streak to six games, defeating the Kennesaw State University Owls 34-6 Oct. 22.
The victory secured bowl game eligibility for Liberty for the seventh time in program history. The Flames improved to 6-1 overall and are tied for first place in Conference USA (CUSA) play at 3-0.
“We’ve talked all season long about earning extra games,” Head Coach Jamey Chadwell said.
Junior quarterback Deshawn Purdie helped Liberty jump out to a 14-0 first-quarter lead, throwing for 105 yards and a touchdown in the opening frame.
The Flames scored on their opening drive for the sixth consecutive game, capping an 11-play, 85-yard march with a 1-yard touchdown run by junior running back Kam Davis.
Purdie led the passing attack, finishing 10-of-19 on passing attempts with 176 yards and a touchdown, while fifth-year quarterback Ethan Vasko provided aggressive plays on the goal line.
Davis, senior running back Peyton Jones and sophomore running back Jaylon Coleman powered the ground game.
Liberty entered the match ranked 137th out of 138 in offensive penalty yards, and Chadwell was visibly frustrated during the postgame press conference regarding the Flames’ 12 penalties.
“I lost my cool tonight on the fourth and short,” Chadwell said. “They were jumping offsides … and those are the things that will get us beat.”
Despite a lack of discipline Chadwell noted, the Flames managed to compile a 6-1 record while producing impressive offensive numbers in CUSA.
The Owls managed a 37-yard field goal before halftime, changing the score to 14-3 with the Flames in the lead.
To open the second half, fifth-year linebacker Derrell Farrar intercepted Kennesaw State redshirt junior quarterback Rickie Collins. The turnover gave Liberty the field position and allowed sixth-year kicker Chase Reeves to extend the lead to 17-3 with a 30-yard field goal.
The Flames’ defense continued to shine in the third quarter. Junior cornerback Ashton McShane recorded another interception. Seven plays later, Coleman scored on a 9-yard rushing touchdown to push the lead to 24-3.
“Jaylon’s been great,” Chadwell said. “He’s obviously well-rounded.”
The fourth quarter unfolded with another field goal from Reeves, a season-long 49-yard kick and a 2-yard touchdown run from fifth-year running back Terron Kellman.
Kennesaw State added a late field goal, but Liberty closed out the victory 34-6.
Liberty will return to Williams Stadium Saturday, Oct. 31, at 3:30 p.m. to take on the Florida International University Panthers during the Flames’ Homecoming and Hall of Fame Weekend. The game will air on CBS Sports Network.
Potter is the NCAA Women’s editor for The Liberty Champion.