Watch: Liberty QB improvises for TD run in CUSA title game

Liberty QB Kaidon Salter Brian Bishop-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Liberty QB Kaidon Salter improvises for amazing TD run vs. New Mexico State in CUSA title game

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 12/1/23

In a game featuring 84 combined points, Liberty quarterback Kaidon Salter recorded arguably the night's most impressive score, turning a broken play into six points to help seal a 49-35 victory over New Mexico State in the Conference USA Championship.

With Liberty nursing a 42-35 lead late in the fourth quarter, New Mexico State blew up a reverse pitch, leading Salter to improvise his way to the endzone for a ridiculous 35-yard touchdown run, fooling multiple defenders along the way.

SHOW-STOPPING pic.twitter.com/Inwj89aKBG
— Liberty Football (@LibertyFootball) December 2, 2023

Salter broke out his video-game moves after the Liberty defense made an equally incredible play. With New Mexico State threatening to score the game-tying touchdow down seven points, Flames defensive back Brandon Bishop came down with a one-handed interception of Aggies QB Blaze Berlowitz to shift the momentum.

First, Brandon Bishop pulls down the interception in the end zone.

Then, Kaidon Salter somehow breaks through the line and jets 35 yards to the house, pointing to the ring finger on the celebration.

Liberty's up 49-35 on New Mexico State in the Conference USA Championship. pic.twitter.com/hskELqB001
— Anthony Romano (@ARomanoWDBJ) December 2, 2023

Salter finished the game 20-of-25 for 319 yards and two touchdowns through the air, with 165 rushing yards (12 carries) and a score on the ground. Liberty receiver CJ Daniels also stood out, recording seven catches for 157 yards (22.4 YPC) and a TD.

After winning eight Big South Conference Championships in 15 seasons, Liberty claims its first title in its inaugural Conference USA season. They're also a good bet to earn their fifth straight bowl game appearance.

More must-reads: