ctinsider
CONWAY, S.C. (AP) — Liberty erupted for 24 straight points after halftime to secure a 34-17 win over Coastal Carolina on Thursday night. Deshawn Purdie passed for 216 yards and two touchdowns, and Kam Davis ran for 166 yards and a score to power the Flames' offense.
Liberty (3-1) found the end zone on each of its first three possessions of the second half, turning a 17-10 deficit into a 27-17 advantage. Backup quarterback Ethan Vasko capped the surge with an 8-yard sneak on fourth-and-1, a play set up by Purdie's 15-yard scramble on third-and-16.
The Flames' defense continued its impressive streak, having yet to allow a fourth-quarter touchdown in four games this season. Purdie completed 11 of 16 passes, including a 58-yard touchdown to Makai Jackson in the first half that gave Liberty a 10-3 lead. Jackson caught a pass over the middle, broke a tackle, and raced to the end zone. He finished with 149 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
Coastal Carolina (1-3) got 213 passing yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions from freshman Deuce Bailey. Bailey's first interception of the season came on his second throw of the game. The Chanticleers managed just three points on their first three drives but scored 14 points on their final two possessions before halftime, taking a 17-10 lead on Tristian Gardner's diving catch in the end zone with 24 seconds remaining.
Key Analysis
Liberty's second-half dominance showcased a balanced attack and a defense that tightens in crunch time. The Flames have now won three consecutive games since dropping their opener to James Madison. Coastal Carolina, meanwhile, continues to search for consistency as it heads into conference play.
Up next: Liberty travels to Delaware on Oct. 2, while Coastal Carolina stays home to face Georgia Southern on Oct. 3.
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Originally reported by ctinsider.