Liberty Hold On For A Thrilling 30-27 Victory (10-14-25)
By: Ty Tracy
Headline Photo Credit: Brynne Smith-LMS Network
The Liberty Flames are back under the lights for another weekday Conference USA matchup, hosting the 3-2 New Mexico State Aggies on Tuesday night. Liberty looks to secure its second conference win after defeating UTEP 19-8 last Tuesday. This game carries major implications for both teams as they aim to stay in the Conference USA championship conversation with six games remaining in the regular season.
Liberty delivered a solid first-half performance, though the offense continued to struggle finding a consistent rhythm. The Flames’ special teams provided a major boost when running back Julian Gray broke free for a 96-yard kickoff return touchdown in the second quarter, giving Liberty a ten-to-three lead. The Flames also added two field goals, putting points on the board in both quarters. Later in the second quarter, running back Evan Dickerson found the end zone on a 23-yard rushing touchdown — a score set up by a muffed punt recovered deep in New Mexico State territory. Liberty took a 20-6 advantage into halftime, leaning on its defense and special teams to control the first half. However, the momentum shifted quickly after the break. New Mexico State quarterback Logan Fife and the Aggies’ offense came alive in the second half, capitalizing on Liberty’s mistakes. Following a Liberty fumble at their own 36-yard line, the Aggies marched on a nine-play, 36-yard touchdown drive to cut the deficit. On the next possession, the Aggies’ defense forced a quick three-and-out, setting up an 11-play, 60-yard touchdown drive that tied the game at 20-20 by the end of the third quarter. With the Aggies seizing momentum heading into the fourth quarter, Liberty found itself searching for a spark to regain control before it was too late.
One minute into the fourth quarter, Liberty quarterback Ethan Vasko threw his second interception of the game, setting up New Mexico State with great field position at the Flames’ 37-yard line. Just four plays later, Aggies quarterback Logan Fife connected with wide receiver Brodie Malone-Bradford for a 20-yard touchdown pass — giving New Mexico State its first lead of the night, 27-20. Midway through the quarter, Liberty’s special teams came up big once again by recovering a fumble deep in Aggies territory, giving the Flames new life. However, the offense continued to struggle to find its rhythm and had to settle for a field goal, cutting the deficit to 27-23 with 8:21 remaining. When the Flames needed a spark the most, Vasko and the offense finally delivered. Liberty marched down the field on a 13-play, 92-yard drive, capped by a touchdown that put the Flames back in front, 30-27.
After the go-ahead score, Liberty’s kickoff unit faced additional pressure following a 15-yard penalty that forced them to kick from their own 25-yard line. Kicker Max Morgan responded with a perfectly placed kick that bounced into the end zone for a touchback, preventing the Aggies from starting with a favorable field position. New Mexico State’s offense, led by Fife, managed to move the ball into field-goal range at the Liberty 30-yard line in the final moments. However, the Aggies’ 47-yard attempt to tie the game missed wide, allowing Liberty to hold on for a thrilling 30-27 victory. With the win, the Flames improved their Conference USA record to 2-0 and remained firmly in the hunt for a spot in the Conference USA championship conversation.
The big question heading into Liberty’s bye week is whether the offense has finally returned to form or if struggles will continue down the stretch. For the past five games, the Flames have failed to score more than three touchdowns, dating back to the Jacksonville State Gamecocks game in September. Tuesday night’s performance, however, was one of the team’s best offensive showings this season. Head coach Jamey Chadwell praised the offense, particularly the execution on a key two-minute drive, calling it a spark the team hopes will carry forward. The Flames did face setbacks with injuries. Three players were unable to finish the game, including starting linebacker Joseph Carter, who suffered a potentially serious injury. Liberty is also still without starting safety Brylan Green, who has been sidelined for several weeks with a lower-body injury. Coach Chadwell will be closely monitoring Carter’s condition, hoping he can return, as his presence will be crucial during the final five weeks of the regular season. Liberty will now enter a bye week before returning to action on Saturday, November 1, when they host the Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens at Williams Stadium.
