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Liberty Football: 3 bold predictions for vs. New Mexico State in C-USA title

By Troy Van Camp

Nov 11, 2023; Lynchburg, Virginia, USA; Liberty Flames quarterback Kaidon Salter (7) celebrates a touchdown run with Liberty Flames wide receiver CJ Daniels (4) during the second quarter at Williams Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bishop-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 11, 2023; Lynchburg, Virginia, USA; Liberty Flames quarterback Kaidon Salter (7) celebrates a touchdown run with Liberty Flames wide receiver CJ Daniels (4) during the second quarter at Williams Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bishop-USA TODAY Sports /
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DETROIT, MICHIGAN – DECEMBER 26: Ahmonte Watkins #8 of the New Mexico State Aggies celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the second half of the Quick Lane Bowl against the Bowling Green Falcons at Ford Field on December 26, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – DECEMBER 26: Ahmonte Watkins #8 of the New Mexico State Aggies celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the second half of the Quick Lane Bowl against the Bowling Green Falcons at Ford Field on December 26, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images) /

2. New Mexico State out-gains Liberty running the football

Friday night’s matchup will feature two dual-threat quarterbacks. Diego Pavia of NMSU has totaled 806 yards on the ground this season and is the team’s leading rusher. Despite the loss, New Mexico State ran for 170 yards on 24 carries in their previous matchup with Liberty. Those numbers were good for just over 7.0 yards per attempt.

In their 31-10 victory over the Auburn Tigers, NMSU ran the ball 37 times for 213 yards. The rushing attack of the Aggies was very balanced against Auburn. NMSU had five players with five or more carries. Meanwhile, their defense held Auburn to 65 rushing yards on 26 carries.

Liberty will receive the majority of the headlines regarding their rushing attack, and rightfully so, but the Aggies have great reason to believe that their success running the football will travel with them to Williams Stadium. If Liberty is forced to abandon the running game, (something they have not had to do all season), look for the Aggies to out-gain them in this department.

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