Liberty Football: 3 takeaways from dramatic win over Virginia Tech

1. Liberty’s defense is not good

Coming into the game, they were giving up a respectable 20.1 points per game. Not only that, but the Virginia Tech offense was at times handicapped, due to Khalil Herbert being injured. Even with that, Virginia Tech was able to do whatever they wanted, especially with Hooker running the football.

This was most apparent near the end of the second quarter, when Virginia Tech was not threatening to throw the ball downfield. With shallow routes and quarterback runs, Virginia Tech was able to have all kind of success, with little to no resistance.

Playing a team with much more skill outside, they cannot give receivers cushions like Liberty would throughout the game. Containing the run is important and with that’s what Virginia Tech did so well, Liberty has to stay near the line and not get beat deep with teams that are capable of doing so. They could not contain Hooker and he made them pay for it all day long.

With their record, the Flames are very much alive for a NY6 spot, and at minimum, a well respected bowl game. If they have a chance against an above average offense with legit weapons on the outside, they have to improve on tackling and forcing turnovers.