Liberty Football: 3 takeaways from devastating loss to NC State

Saturday’s game at NC State was expected to add to the resume of Liberty football heading into the postseason, but the Flames lost 15-14.

Coming into this game, Liberty had one of the most dynamic offenses, led by dual-threat quarterback Malik Willis. With their defense on the other half having a lot to be desired.

First half could not be more opposite of the narrative that has been the Flames this year. Through the first 20 minutes of the game, there were no points scored 175 total yards between both teams.

Willis was on pace to have, one of the worst performances of the season, with just 2-for-8 throwing and 17 yards. Coming off of back to back three touchdown performances, including a 38-35 road win over Virginia Tech.

One of the more impressive signs of the first half was how well the defense settled in. The Wolfpack were just 1-of-4 on third-down conversions and just 38 passing yards through a quarter and five minutes. NC State would break the two doughnuts on the board with a Zonovan Knight 19-yard touchdown run.

Things would go from bad to worse as on the ensuing possession, Willis would be picked off by safety Jakeen Harris. To limit the damage, Liberty would get the ball right back as Bailey Hockman would get his pass cut off by Cedric Stone, while he was looking for wide receiver Devin Carter.

With just under 20 seconds to go, Willis would step up into the pocket and find Noah Frith for a 12-yard touchdown score. Considering the offensive struggles, it was nothing short of a miracle that the Flames were tied at half. Especially, considering the consistent struggles on defense in letting opposing offenses have efficient drives.

After both offenses would stall, Willis would start to heat up. A deep throw to Frith would set up the Flames inside the red zone. Willis would cap the drive with a six-yard pass to Jerome Jackson.

NC State would pin the Flames inside the three yard line. Two plays later, Peytton Pickett would be in the end zone for a NC State safety. In a game with limited points, this would be huge for the Wolfpack. Liberty would once again hold strong and force a 3 and out.

On a long throw to the sidelines, Willis would be picked off for the second time, this time by cornerback Aydan White. This would set up the Wolfpack inside the Flames 30-yard line. After struggling with the run game in the third quarter, the drive would be dominated by the run game.

NC State would punch it in with Knight for the second time. A missed two-point attempt gives the Wolfpack a one point lead. Willis confidence started to fade as he threw an arm punt to safety Isaac Duffy, his third interception of the game.

The Wolfpack would immediately be forced to punt and Willis had a chance at redemption. After a big throw to Frith, Willis would set up the Flames nicely, getting them to the 21-yard line. That would set up Alex Barbir. His 39-yard attempt would be blocked and there were no flags to save the Flames.

That would seal the deal as North Carolina State would end Liberty’s fun undefeated run.

What’d we learn?