Image: LU Athletics Facebook
(from Liberty.edu) With alumni in the stands from all five decades of Liberty University history, the Flames rolled to a 41-13 Homecoming Weekend victory over Middle Tennessee, Saturday afternoon, at Williams Stadium. Liberty University, founded in 1971, welcoming its 50th anniversary alumni crowd back to campus during a special weekend to celebrate the school’s history.
The Flames did not disappoint their returning graduates, nearly doubling up the Blue Raiders in total offense (Liberty 449 yards; MTSU 265 yards). With the win, Liberty moves to 33-14 all-time during Homecoming Weekend games, including a 11-3 mark in its last 14 Homecoming contests. The victory also pushed Liberty’s home winning streak to 14 games in a row, extending its program record. Entering the day, Liberty’s win streak ranked as the fourth-longest home FBS win streak in the country.
Liberty rushed for 200-plus yards for the third time this season. The Flames finished the contest with 227 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns. Joshua Mack led all rushers with 91 yards and a touchdown. Malik Willis followed Mack with the quarterback rushing for 80 yards and a touchdown. The redshirt junior finished the game completing 17-of-30 passing attempts for 222 yards and two touchdowns, but he was picked off three times on the afternoon.
Liberty came into the game as one of five FBS teams in the country without having a pass intercepted. Demario Douglas posted his second 100-yard game in a row, leading all receivers with 10 receptions for a career-high 156 yards and his fourth touchdown in 2021. The Flames’ standout defensive, which held its fourth opponent this season below 20 points, was paced by Skyler Thomas, who finished with nine tackles (five solo, four assisted).
