Liberty Flames six-game winning streak ends against UConn

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The Liberty Flames’ six-game winning streak came to an end this past weekend after being defeated 36-33 by UConn in a close road game.

Liberty is now 8-2, while UConn has improved to 6-5. Over 15,000 people were in attendance for the Saturday matchup. Liberty’s offense recorded 484 yards on 80 plays, outperforming UConn by 20 more plays offensively. Liberty quarterback Johnathan Bennett completed 22-of-36 pass attempts for 201 yards and a touchdown. This loss was his first loss as a starter (5-1).

Wide receiver Demario Douglas finished with a career-high 105 rushing yards, which included a 75-yard rushing touchdown. Douglas was also the leading receiver of the game, tallying seven receptions for 70 yards. Douglas’s stellar offensive performance allowed him to reach the 2,000 career receiving yards mark (he is currently at 2,030 yards for his entire career).

Running back T.J. Green contributed 24 carries for 119 yards and a touchdown, posting his first 100-yard game.

On the other side of the ball, Javon Scruggs made a statement with eight tackles. The eight tackles now leverage him to a team-best 247 career tackles. Kaidon Salter also returned to the lineup after being out for a few weeks.

I can tell that there was a sense of confidence and grit coming into this matchup. Liberty has proved a lot in NCAA football this year. Battling injuries has been a constant worry for the Flames, but Coach Freeze and his staff have been persistent. After every game, Freeze addresses the media with humility all while crediting the talent of his players. No matter how great of a performance they have, Freeze always has his next big plan to execute and wants to make improvements.

The Flames have made history this season in an orderly fashion, and have taken their two losses with grace. I’m looking forward to the next two home games (which are also the last two games of the regular season) against in-state rival Virginia Tech and New Mexico State. I might sound a little biased, but I believe the Flames will secure these last two wins.

Sadly, Flames running back Dae Dae Hunter will be missed due to a season-ending injury suffered within the last few weeks. However, the offensive depth chart is full of good options to press on. Get well soon Dae Dae.

The next game will kick off at 12:02 p.m. and will air on LFSN Radio (Flagship Station: The Journey 88.3 FM Lynchburg).