Willis throws for 4 TDs, Liberty rolls over UMass 62-17
UMass Minutemen vs. Liberty Flames: Full Highlights (1:44)
LYNCHBURG, Va. -- — Malik Willis threw for four scores and Liberty put up two quick touchdowns to open the game in defeating Massachusetts 62-17 on Saturday.
The Flames (7-2) scored touchdowns just over a minute apart on their first two possessions, led 21-3 after one quarter and 41-3 by halftime in winning their 15th straight home game, a program record. They had the fourth-longest active FBS home streak coming into Saturday's game.
Duron Lowe intercepted Brady Olson on the game's first scrimmage play and T.J. Green ran for a 26-yard score on the next snap. On the first play of the Minutemen's next possession, Olson was sacked by Aakil Washington and Stephen Sings recovered the fumble at the UMass 6. Demario Douglas scored on the next play off a run-pass option.
Willis found DJ Stubbs deep on the right side for a 60-yard score and it was 21-3.
By halftime Willis was already 16-of-23 passing for 278 yards and four touchdowns. He finished 19 of 27 for 307 yards before giving way in the third quarter. In all, the Flames had six touchdown passes and 409 yards passing. Green rushed for two scores.
Ellis Merriweather rushed for 149 yards on 24 carries for UMass (1-6).
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2021 FBS Independents Standings
| TEAM | CONF | OVR |
|---|---|---|
| Notre Dame | 0-0 | 11-2 |
| BYU | 0-0 | 10-3 |
| Army | 0-0 | 9-4 |
| Liberty | 0-0 | 8-5 |
| New Mexico State | 0-0 | 2-10 |
| UMass | 0-0 | 1-11 |
| UConn | 0-0 | 1-11 |