Late drive by Wildcats ends Flames’ playoff run

No. 5/5 Villanova scored the go-ahead touchdown with 1:12 left in an NCAA FCS Playoffs second round game, Saturday afternoon, at Villanova Stadium. The drive completed a second-half comeback for the home team, allowing the Wildcats to post a 29-22 victory over No. 20/23 Liberty University.

The loss brings to a close Liberty’s first-ever run in the NCAA FCS Playoff and ends the Flames season with a 9-5 record.

Liberty posted similar late drives in its last two victories to advance to the second round of the NCAA FCS Playoffs for the first time in program history.

Two weeks ago, the Flames capped a 17-play, 75-yard drive with a 32-yard John Lunsford field goal with 1:20 left to lift Liberty to a 15-14 upset win over No. 2/1 Coastal Carolina.

Last week, Liberty advanced to today’s game with a 17-play, 85-yard game winning drive with 2:53 left to put the Flames up 26-21 over No. 15/15 James Madison.

• Read the game recap at www.Liberty.edu/Flames.