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1st Quarter Report
Liberty is on the road but looking no worse for wear. They have a bit of a cushion as they currently lead UTEP 21-7.
Liberty entered the game having won 11 straight and they're just three quarters away from another. Will they make it 12, or will UTEP step up and spoil it? We'll know soon.
Preview
UTEP will be in front of their home fans on Saturday, but a look at the spread shows they might need that home-field advantage. They will take on the Liberty Flames at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday. UTEP might want some stickum for this game since the team gave up four turnovers on Saturday.
Last Saturday, UTEP was within striking distance but couldn't close the gap as they fell 34-30 to Middle Tennessee. UTEP has not had much luck with Middle Tennessee recently, as the team's come up short the last three times they've met.
UTEP's defeat came about despite a quality game from Kelly Akharaiyi, who picked up 138 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Akharaiyi's longest reception was for an incredible 80 yards. Cade McConnell also deserves a shout-out for his two touchdowns.
Meanwhile, Liberty put another one in the bag on Saturday to keep their perfect season alive. They were the clear victor by a 49-25 margin over UMass. The result was nothing new for Liberty, who have now won five contests by 24 points or more so far this season.
It was another big night for Kaidon Salter, who rushed for 118 yards and two touchdowns on only 13 carries, and also threw for 225 yards and two touchdowns on only 16 passes. Salter has been a model of consistency, as he's now posted a passer rating of 170 or better in the last four games he's played. Quinton Cooley also helped out as he racked up 102 rushing yards.
UTEP's defeat dropped their record down to 3-8. As for Liberty, they pushed their record up to 11-0 with that victory, which was their seventh straight at home.
While only UTEP took care of their fans the last time they played, neither team managed to cover. As for their next game, Liberty is the favorite in this one, as the experts expect to see them win by 17 points. This contest will be their 12th straight as the favorites (so far over this stretch they are 8-3 against the spread).
