Kaidon Salter and Liberty Flames Suffer Upset Loss to Kennesaw State
In a shocking turn of events on Wednesday night, the Liberty Flames, previously undefeated and riding high on a wave of optimism, fell to the Kennesaw State Owls, losing 27-24 in a game that has significant implications for their postseason aspirations. The Flames entered the matchup as heavy favorites, boasting a 26.5-point spread, but the Owls, who were winless at 0-6 in their inaugural FBS season, pulled off a stunning upset that left Liberty’s College Football Playoff hopes hanging by a thread.
The Game Breakdown
The game began with promise for Liberty, as they took an early lead. However, the momentum shifted dramatically when Kennesaw State managed to tie the game at 7-7 in the first quarter. From that point on, the Flames struggled to regain control. The Owls took the lead for good in the third quarter with a six-yard touchdown run by Qua Ashley, showcasing their resilience and determination. Austin Welch added to the Owls’ lead with two crucial field goals in the fourth quarter, pushing the score to 27-21 and leaving Liberty in a precarious position.
As the clock wound down, the Flames found themselves in a desperate situation. With just six seconds remaining and no timeouts, Kaidon Salter, Liberty’s quarterback, launched a pass that sailed out of bounds. In a moment of chaos, Kennesaw State fans stormed the field, celebrating what they believed was a historic victory. However, the drama was far from over.
A Last-Ditch Effort
In a twist of fate, officials reviewed the play and determined that there was still one second left on the clock when the ball hit a player on the Liberty sideline. This revelation meant that Liberty would have one final chance to attempt a miracle play. As the Kennesaw State students were ushered off the field, the Flames prepared for a last-ditch effort to salvage their season. Unfortunately for Liberty, the attempt proved futile, and the Owls celebrated their first victory against a top-tier opponent in 11 tries.
Implications for Liberty’s Season
This loss is a significant blow to Liberty’s aspirations for the College Football Playoff. Last season, the Flames finished with a perfect 13-0 record and earned a spot in the Fiesta Bowl, where they faced a formidable Oregon team. The 45-6 defeat in that game highlighted the challenges Liberty faces when competing against higher-tier programs. With the new 12-team College Football Playoff format on the horizon, the stakes are even higher for non-power conference teams like Liberty.
To secure a playoff spot, Liberty would have needed another undefeated season in 2024. However, the landscape of college football is shifting, especially with the dissolution of the Pac-12 and the emergence of strong programs in other conferences. Teams like Boise State and UNLV in the Mountain West, along with Army and Navy in the American, have proven to be formidable opponents, each boasting tougher schedules than Liberty’s.
The Road Ahead
Looking ahead, Liberty’s path to the playoffs is fraught with challenges. Even if they manage to win the remainder of their games, they will need significant help from other teams to have any chance of making the playoff picture. The Flames’ non-conference schedule, which included matchups against Campbell, East Carolina, UMass, and a canceled game against Appalachian State due to Hurricane Helene, has been criticized for its lack of competitiveness.
As the Flames regroup from this unexpected defeat, they must focus on the remaining games of the season. 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. With their playoff hopes dimmed, Liberty will need to rally and prove that they can still compete at a high level, even in the face of adversity.