Liberty vs. UTEP Short Report | Nov 25, 2023
Sun Bowl
El Paso, TX
Nov 25, 2023
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Game Recap
The Liberty Flames defeated the UTEP Miners 42-28 in an intense game that saw the Flames extend their perfect season to 12-0, with a dominant ground game and key defensive plays. Liberty set the tone early, punching in three touchdowns in the first quarter. Running backs Quinton Cooley and Billy Lucas spearheaded the rushing attack, helping Liberty amass an eye-popping 442 rushing yards.
Despite UTEP's efforts to claw back into the game, notably with late touchdowns from Mike Franklin and Kevin Hurley, the Miners couldn't overcome an early deficit. Liberty's defense came up big with pivotal stops and a critical interception by Brandon Bishop, ensuring the Flames' victory and marking their first-ever undefeated regular season.
Key Plays:
CJ Daniels (Liberty Flames)
CJ Daniels caught a 6-yard touchdown pass to cap off Liberty's opening drive, setting the tone for their offensive dominance.
Deion Hankins (UTEP Miners)
Deion Hankins rushed for an 8-yard touchdown, tying the game and giving UTEP hope early on.
Quinton Cooley (Liberty Flames)
Quinton Cooley's 42-yard rush touchdown extended Liberty's lead to 21-7, showcasing his explosiveness.
Quinton Cooley (Liberty Flames)
Cooley powered into the end zone from 1 yard out, increasing Liberty's lead to 28-7 and capping off a patient drive.
Brandon Bishop (Liberty Flames)
Brandon Bishop intercepted a pass late in the second quarter, halting UTEP's drive and securing Liberty's momentum going into halftime.
Quinton Cooley (Liberty Flames)
Cooley scored his third touchdown of the game with a 3-yard run, capping off a strong third-quarter drive.
Mike Franklin (UTEP Miners)
Mike Franklin rushed for a 2-yard touchdown, narrowing Liberty's lead as UTEP tried to rally in the fourth quarter.
James Jointer Jr. (Liberty Flames)
James Jointer Jr. sealed the victory for Liberty with a 26-yard touchdown run, putting the game out of reach for UTEP.
Kevin Hurley (UTEP Miners)
Kevin Hurley scored a 2-yard rushing touchdown following a Liberty fumble recovery, continuing UTEP's late-game push.
Marcus Vinson (UTEP Miners)
Marcus Vinson caught a 3-yard touchdown pass in the closing seconds, adding a final score for UTEP.
Standout Players:
Quinton Cooley (Liberty Flames, RB)
Cooley tallied 83 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 13 carries. His 42-yard burst in the first quarter electrified the Flames' offense.
Billy Lucas (Liberty Flames, RB)
Lucas contributed 69 rushing yards on 13 attempts, adding a touchdown to bolster Liberty's ground attack.
Kaidon Salter (Liberty Flames, QB)
Salter effectively managed the game, adding 76 rushing yards and a touchdown pass to maintain offensive balance.
Kelly Akharaiyi (UTEP Miners, WR)
Akharaiyi proved to be a vital target with 5 receptions for 109 yards, keeping UTEP in contention through the air.
Mike Franklin (UTEP Miners, RB)
Franklin notched a crucial touchdown and posted 40 rushing yards on 11 carries, adding 11 receiving yards to his all-purpose performance.
Kevin Hurley (UTEP Miners, QB)
Hurley ignited a late comeback bid with a rushing touchdown and a passing touchdown in the fourth quarter.
References:
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Liberty Flames vs. UTEP Miners - Final Score - November 25, 2023 | FOX Sports
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Liberty Flames vs. UTEP Miners Live Score and Stats - November 25, 2023 Gametracker - CBSSports.com
Liberty University Flames
Liberty Flames vs. UTEP Miners Box Score and Stats - November 25, 2023 | FOX Sports
Liberty Flames vs UTEP Miners | November, 25th 2023 - YouTube
Source
Liberty University Flames
Team
1
2
3
4
T
Liberty Flames
21
7
7
7
42
UTEP Miners
7
0
0
21
28
