BCSNN.com — Liberty turned a tense Thursday night matchup into a statement victory, scoring 24 unanswered points in the second half to defeat Coastal Carolina 34–17 in front of 22,116 fans at Brooks Stadium.
The Flames’ surge flipped a 17–10 halftime deficit into their first three‑game winning streak since 2025 and marked head coach Jamey Chadwell’s triumphant return to Conway, where he previously led the Chanticleers for five seasons.
Coastal Carolina appeared in control late in the first half, seizing momentum with a 39‑yard touchdown pass from Deuce Bailey to Tristian Gardner with 24 seconds remaining. But Liberty dominated every phase after the break, outgaining the Chanticleers 246–47 in the final 30 minutes and shutting them out entirely.
Liberty finished with 485 total yards, averaging 7.7 yards per play, while holding Coastal Carolina to 292 yards on 66 snaps. The Flames’ ground game was especially potent, producing a season‑best 263 rushing yards on 45 carries.
Florida State transfer Kam Davis delivered a breakout performance, rushing for a career‑high 166 yards on 18 carries and adding a six‑yard touchdown reception in the closing minutes. His 9.2 yards per carry fueled Liberty’s second‑half takeover and capped a night in which he became the Flames’ first 100‑yard rusher of the season.
Quarterback Deshawn Purdie continued his efficient start to 2026, completing 11 of 16 passes for 216 yards and two touchdowns. Purdie has now thrown seven touchdowns without an interception through four starts. His favorite target, Makai Jackson, hauled in five passes for 149 yards and two scores, becoming the first Liberty player ever to record a touchdown in each of his first four games with the program.
Backup quarterback Ethan Vasko, who played for Coastal Carolina in 2023–24, added two fourth‑quarter touchdowns against his former team - an eight‑yard rushing score and the late six‑yard pass to Davis. His contributions extended Liberty’s fourth‑quarter scoring margin to 42–0 this season.
Defensively, Liberty delivered one of its most complete efforts of the year. Ronald Moore Jr. posted a career‑high eight tackles, while Aidan Vaughan added seven. The Flames held Coastal Carolina scoreless after halftime and have now outscored opponents 66–14 in second halves this season.
Liberty’s win improved its all‑time record against Coastal Carolina to 9–7, including three victories in its last five meetings. It also snapped a three‑game road losing streak and marked the Flames’ first win in Conway since 2014. Chadwell improved to 4–1 all‑time against his former program.
The victory also boosted Liberty’s record against Sun Belt opponents to 11–6, ending a three‑game skid against the conference. The Flames are now 3–2 all‑time on ESPN broadcasts and have opened September with a 3–1 record for the sixth time in seven seasons.
Liberty scored on its opening drive for the third straight game, took advantage of two early explosive plays from Davis, and leaned on its defense to stabilize after a turnover‑filled second quarter. Coastal Carolina briefly led twice, but Liberty’s second‑half precision erased any doubt.
The Flames now turn their attention to their Conference USA opener next Friday, when they travel to Delaware for their first‑ever game at Delaware Stadium. Liberty won the teams’ only previous meeting 59–30 in 2025.
