In a game featuring 84 combined points, Liberty quarterback Kaidon Salter recorded arguably the night's most impressive score, turning a broken play into six points to help seal a 49-35 victory over New Mexico State in the Conference USA Championship.
With Liberty nursing a 42-35 lead late in the fourth quarter, New Mexico State blew up a reverse pitch, leading Salter to improvise his way to the endzone for a ridiculous 35-yard touchdown run, fooling multiple defenders along the way.
SHOW-STOPPING pic.twitter.com/Inwj89aKBG
— Liberty Football (@LibertyFootball) December 2, 2023
Salter broke out his video-game moves after the Liberty defense made an equally incredible play. With New Mexico State threatening to score the game-tying touchdow down seven points, Flames defensive back Brandon Bishop came down with a one-handed interception of Aggies QB Blaze Berlowitz to shift the momentum.
First, Brandon Bishop pulls down the interception in the end zone.
— Anthony Romano (@ARomanoWDBJ) December 2, 2023
Then, Kaidon Salter somehow breaks through the line and jets 35 yards to the house, pointing to the ring finger on the celebration.
Liberty's up 49-35 on New Mexico State in the Conference USA Championship. pic.twitter.com/hskELqB001
Salter finished the game 20-of-25 for 319 yards and two touchdowns through the air, with 165 rushing yards (12 carries) and a score on the ground. Liberty receiver CJ Daniels also stood out, recording seven catches for 157 yards (22.4 YPC) and a TD.
After winning eight Big South Conference Championships in 15 seasons, Liberty claims its first title in its inaugural Conference USA season. They're also a good bet to earn their fifth straight bowl game appearance.
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