January 4, 2025: By Liberty University Athletics
Making its sixth consecutive game appearance, Liberty University football struggled to generate a consistent offense throughout the day to secure a 26-7 victory over the University of Buffalo on an afternoon in the Bahamas at Thomas A. Robinson Stadium in Nassau.
Not officially an FBS program in 2019, the Flames (8-4) are one of only three programs (Appalachian State and Marshall University) to have had a shot at a bowl game in each of the first six seasons.
They slipped to 3-1 against 0-3 teams coached by Jamey Chadwell, a two-time hitting coach at Coastal Carolina. With the win, Buffalo completes a dramatic turnaround after posting a 3-9 record in 2023. The Bulls have now won four straight bowl games, including their second in the Bahamas (in 2019).
“Credit goes to Buffalo,” Chadwell said in his postgame press conference. “They came in and played really well or we couldn’t defend the ball and defend.
Entering the bowl season, Freedom ranked No. 26 in passing yards per game with an average of 434.5 yards per game, finishing with its lowest offensive output of the season, totaling 242 yards on 56 offensive plays. He finished the game with two long drives by quarterback Ryan Burger (57 yards) and two 22 rushing yards by running back Billy Lucas (55 yards), finishing the game with 162 rushing yards. Freedom entered the season ranked No. 3 in the nation in offense (258.7 yards per game).
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