Liberty vs. New Mexico State: Episode II Revenge of the Flames

Jason Huntley returned a kickoff 85 yards for a touchdown and Javahn Fergurson returned an interception 37 yards for New Mexico State but it was the offense that kept the Aggies from getting the win in the final regular season game, losing 28-21 to the Liberty Flames.

The game was the second meeting between the two schools in the 2018 season and it had a much different feel than the game played in Las Cruces.

The offense really held the team back as they out-gained the Flames 396-295 but were 3-16 on third down and just 2-7 on fourth down conversions. The offense looked out of sync all game. They only managed 108 first half yards, and gave up two turnovers to allow Liberty to build a 17-0 lead they wouldn’t give up.

The defense and special teams kept the Aggies in the game, although the offense continued to struggle in the second half. They were able to move the ball but turned it over on downs three times, including once at the Liberty 2 yard line on their first drive of the second half in what proved to be the difference.

The Aggies probably should have won this game but beat themselves, something we’ve seen happen all year.

Terrill Hanks and Ron LaForce both had monster games in their final collegiate contest, each gaining 12 tackles. Leon McQuaker and Javahn Fergurson had nice games as well, getting 11 tackles each.

I’ll have more on this game and a look at the season as a whole later on in the week but for now we can turn our attention to the hardwood!