Kaidon Salter To The Rescue; Liberty Recap

In my book, a win is a win, but this past Saturday was an ugly one. The other day, I wrote my prediction of the two teams and how I thought Liberty was head over heels better. I might have bit-off more than I could chew after the struggling victory.

Flames v. Golden Eagles Takeaways

Kaidon Salter Should Be QB1 Next Week

What we thought was going to be the Charlie Brewer era at Liberty lasted only nine minutes. Liberty did not move the ball that well on the Golden Eagles during his time. I thought it was from poor play, but sources stated Brewer left with an apparent fracture hand.

Johnathan Bennett stepped up and brought spark with the play of his legs. It reminded me a little of the Malik Willis days, but one problem for Bennett was inaccuracy. Bennett was 7/18 for 37 yards and two INT’s which everyone could tell you, that is not getting the job done. The second-string QB’s last play was a pick-six leading to a 10-17 deficit in the fourth quarter.

Then out of desperation, Kaidon Salter, the third string comes into the game. Not only did his presence on the field look like he was QB1, but he won the game! He brought the Flames back from deficits of 10-17 and 17-24 in the fourth. He by far was the most accurate QB of the night throwing for 8/13 for 148 yards with two TD’s and one INT. Salter was also effective with his legs rushing for 65 yards and being the leading rusher. All of that in one quarter and 4OT periods is impressive.

Flames Defense had their moments

There were so many unknowns about the Liberty defense this past Saturday, but there were good and terrible things to consider. I will say that the Liberty defense was ball hawking by grabbing five turnovers (3 INT’s & 2 fumbles). They allowed the Golden Eagles to convert on only 25% of third-downs and throw for 137 yards.

What was not high about this Flames defensive unit was the rush defense. Flames allowed 252 yards on 54 attempts for a 4.7 yards per rush. Liberty basically played the whole game against the Golden Eagles with RB Frank Gore Jr. as QB1. Honestly, the Golden Eagles were one-dimensional, and the Flames could not stop it.

Hugh Freeze Coaching on the Road Scares Me

Hugh Freeze once again collects another win under his belt at Liberty, but another road struggle. The Flames could have easily lost against the Golden Eagles. With the background of Freeze as a recruiter and getting guys from the transfer portal, opponents like Southern Miss should be easier.

Hopefully with the playbook around Kaidon Salter, look for Freeze to have a more explosive approach down the road.

What’s Next For The Flames?

The Flames open their “best home schedule” off with the UAB Blazers coming to Lynchburg. UAB will be out for revenge as the Flames last season defeated the Blazers 36-12. The Blazers are also 1-0, like the Flames, after easily defeating Alabama A&M 59-0 in week 1.

As many Flames fans expect, Kaidon Slater should be QB1 against the Blazers. Flames should not overlook UAB for Wake Forest in week 3. One step at a time, but let’s go Flames.