Kaidon Salter and Liberty Flames Suffer Upset Loss to Kennesaw State
In a shocking turn of events, the Liberty Flames, previously undefeated and riding high on their success, fell to the Kennesaw State Owls 27-24 on Wednesday night. This unexpected defeat not only marked a significant upset but also dealt a severe blow to Liberty’s aspirations for the College Football Playoff. The Flames entered the game as 26.5-point favorites, a statistic that only underscores the magnitude of the loss.
Kennesaw State’s Historic Win
Kennesaw State, which had been struggling with a dismal 0-6 record in its inaugural season at the FBS level, managed to secure its first victory against a top-tier opponent. This win was particularly sweet for the Owls, who had not tasted victory in their last ten encounters with FBS teams. The atmosphere was electric as Kennesaw State fans celebrated a long-awaited triumph, one that will be remembered as a pivotal moment in the program’s history.
The Game’s Turning Points
The Flames started strong, taking an early lead, but the momentum shifted dramatically when Kennesaw State tied the game at 7-7 in the first quarter. From that point on, Liberty struggled to regain control. The Owls took the lead for good in the third quarter with a six-yard touchdown run by Qua Ashley. As the game progressed, Austin Welch’s field goals in the fourth quarter extended Kennesaw State’s lead to two scores, putting Liberty in a precarious position.
A Dramatic Finish
The final moments of the game were nothing short of chaotic. With just six seconds left on the clock and no timeouts remaining, Kaidon Salter, Liberty’s quarterback, attempted a desperate pass that sailed out of bounds. As Kennesaw State fans rushed the field in celebration, it appeared the game was over. However, a review revealed that there was still one second left on the clock, prompting officials to clear the field for one last play. Unfortunately for Liberty, their final attempt at a miracle was unsuccessful, sealing their fate in a heartbreaking loss.
Liberty’s Playoff Hopes Diminished
This defeat has all but extinguished Liberty’s chances of making the College Football Playoff. Last season, the Flames were the top non-power conference team in the playoff standings, finishing with a perfect 13-0 record and earning a spot in the Fiesta Bowl. However, their performance against Oregon, where they were soundly defeated 45-6, raised questions about their competitiveness against stronger opponents.
With the new 12-team playoff format on the horizon, Liberty needed another undefeated season to remain in contention. The top five conference champions will receive automatic bids, and with the dissolution of the Pac-12, the competition among the remaining conferences has intensified. Liberty’s schedule, which included relatively weaker opponents like Campbell and UMass, has come under scrutiny, especially when compared to teams from stronger conferences.
The Landscape of College Football
Even before the upset, Liberty’s path to the playoffs was fraught with challenges. Teams like Boise State and UNLV in the Mountain West, along with Army and Navy in the American, have shown strong performances against tougher schedules. Louisiana, sitting at 6-1 in the Sun Belt, also poses a significant threat. Liberty’s relatively easy schedule may not have been enough to secure a playoff spot, even if they had remained undefeated.
Looking Ahead
As the Flames regroup from this unexpected setback, the focus will shift to the remainder of their season. While they can still aim for a strong finish, the reality is that they will need considerable help from other teams to have any chance of sniffing the playoff. The loss to Kennesaw State serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of college football and the importance of every game in the quest for postseason glory.