Liberty Flames (10-2, 8-0) vs UTEP Miners (8-4, 6-2)
Williams Stadium, Lynchburg, Virginia
The stage is set for the 2024 Conference USA Championship Game, with the defending champion Liberty Flames playing host to the red-hot UTEP Miners at Williams Stadium. Liberty has dominated conference play with an undefeated 8-0 record, but UTEP's remarkable turnaround after a 1-4 start, winning their last seven games, has made them the team to watch.
Liberty Flames
Returning as the reigning Conference USA champions, Liberty has lived up to expectations once again, with their only two losses coming against ranked Power 5 opponents: #18 LSU and #19 Michigan. Led by their dynamic duo on offense, the Flames will rely heavily on star running back Quinton Cooley, who has had a monster season with over 1,500 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns. Cooley’s ability to grind down defenses with explosive plays makes him the centerpiece of Liberty’s attack.
At quarterback, Kaidon Salter brings balance to Liberty’s offense, having completed 65% of his passes for over 2,300 yards and 15 touchdowns. He has shown poise and accuracy, and with Cooley in the backfield, Salter can utilize play-action effectively to keep UTEP’s defense guessing.
On defense, Liberty has been stellar, anchored by their standout safeties Brylan Green and Eldric Griffin, who have combined for 138 tackles and 7 interceptions this season. The Flames’ secondary will be tested by UTEP’s strong passing game, but with Green and Griffin’s ability to make plays all over the field, they are up for the challenge.
UTEP Miners
The UTEP Miners have been one of the most exciting stories of the season. After a 1-4 start, including a narrow 31-37 loss to Liberty in Week 3, the Miners have surged to an 8-4 record and are on a seven-game winning streak. Their signature win came in Week 10, a 56-42 shootout victory over Middle Tennessee, crushing the Blue Raiders' hopes for a shot at the title.
At the heart of UTEP’s offense is quarterback Cade McConnell, who has had an extraordinary season, completing 78% of his passes for over 2,000 yards with an outstanding 19-to-3 touchdown-to-interception ratio. McConnell’s accuracy and decision-making have been key in leading UTEP’s late-season charge.
UTEP’s ground game is just as potent, with running back Jevon Jackson having rushed for nearly 1,400 yards, adding 700 receiving yards and totaling 18 touchdowns. Jackson is a true dual-threat weapon who can break the game open at any moment, and he will be crucial if UTEP is to upset Liberty on the road.
Defensively, safety Kory Chapman has been the leader of UTEP’s secondary, with 75 tackles, 6 interceptions, 1 defensive touchdown, and 2 forced fumbles. He will need to be at his best to contain Liberty’s versatile offense, especially when facing Salter and Cooley.
Keys to the Game
Liberty’s Offense: The Flames' ability to control the clock and keep UTEP’s explosive offense off the field will hinge on Cooley’s running success and Salter’s efficiency in the passing game.
UTEP’s Playmakers: Jackson’s ability to make plays as both a runner and a receiver will be critical for the Miners. His versatility could cause issues for Liberty’s defense, which has yet to face a back of his caliber in Conference USA play.
Turnovers: Both teams boast playmaking safeties, and whichever defense can create turnovers might swing the game. With McConnell’s remarkable TD/INT ratio, UTEP will need to avoid mistakes, while Liberty’s Green and Griffin will be hunting for big plays.
Momentum: UTEP enters the game on a seven-game win streak, riding high with confidence, while Liberty has been the dominant force in the conference. Can the Miners keep up the momentum and avenge their early-season loss?
Final Thoughts
Liberty will have home-field advantage and the benefit of experience, but UTEP is playing its best football of the season. Both teams have stars on offense and playmakers on defense, and this matchup could come down to a few big plays. Expect a hard-fought, high-scoring affair as the Miners look to avenge their Week 3 loss and Liberty aims to secure back-to-back Conference USA titles.
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