When looking at ecu football vs liberty football match player stats, the numbers tell the full story of a back-and-forth contest that ultimately favored Liberty. This article breaks down team totals, individual leaders, situational metrics, and the takeaways coaches and fans should note from the matchup.
Game summary and context
The matchup featured East Carolina (ECU) and Liberty in a competitive game that ended 35–24 in favor of Liberty. Examining ecu football vs liberty football match player stats shows Liberty’s balanced attack and timely conversions overcame ECU’s early lead and big plays. The stats below highlight how each team performed in yardage, efficiency, and individual production.
Team stat highlights
| Team | Total Yards | Passing Yards | Rushing Yards | 1st Downs | Turnovers | Time of Possession |
| ECU | 331 | 204 | 127 | 20 | 2 | 23:17 |
| Liberty | 414 | 223 | 191 | 26 | 2 | 36:43 |
These team numbers from the box score show Liberty outgained ECU by 83 total yards, with a clear edge in rushing yards and time of possession—two figures that shaped the late comeback.
Top individual performances
Below are the primary contributors when analyzing ecu football vs liberty football match player stats.
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| Player | Team | Stat line |
| Jake Garcia (QB) | ECU | 20/36, 204 passing yards, 0 TD, 1 INT |
| Rahjai Harris (RB) | ECU | 13 carries, 47 yards, 1 TD |
| Chase Sowell (WR) | ECU | 5 receptions, 72 yards |
| Kaidon Salter (QB) | Liberty | 19/32, 223 passing yards, 4 TD, 1 INT |
| Quinton Cooley (RB) | Liberty | 19 carries, 105 yards, 1 TD |
| Reese Smith (WR) | Liberty | 6 receptions, 80 yards, 3 TD |
The ecu football vs liberty football match player stats show Kaidon Salter’s four touchdown passes to key targets were decisive, while Cooley’s rushing provided balance and helped control the clock late in the game.
Situational metrics that mattered
When coaches study ecu football vs liberty football match player stats, situational numbers like third-down efficiency and red-zone performance stand out:
- Third-down efficiency: Liberty converted 13 of 17 third downs; ECU was 7 of 15. That disparity extended sustained Liberty drives and limited ECU’s possessions.
- Fourth-down and clutch plays: Liberty converted key fourth-down chances and late-game drives that flipped momentum.
- Turnover parity: Both teams lost two turnovers, so turnovers alone didn’t decide the result—conversion and field position did.
These situational stats explain how Liberty turned yardage and possession advantages into points and late-game control.
Play-by-play trends and standout moments
Looking at the ecu football vs liberty football match player stats in conjunction with play sequence shows ECU started fast (leading early), but Liberty’s sustained drives and explosive scoring in the second half created separation. Liberty’s receiving tandem produced multiple scoring strikes, while ECU’s big plays weren’t enough to overcome Liberty’s consistent offensive balance and time management.
What the numbers say about each team
- ECU: A team that can generate chunk plays through the pass and receive contributions, but struggled to sustain drives and convert consistently on third downs and time-of-possession battles.
- Liberty: Demonstrated offensive balance (effective rushing yards plus a high touchdown rate through the air) and situational efficiency—traits usually rewarded in close contests.
Takeaways for coaches and analysts
- Winning the time of possession battle (Liberty held it over 36 minutes) can neutralize explosive plays by the opponent.
- Third-down conversion (a marked Liberty advantage) often correlates with scoring opportunities and momentum control.
- Individual star performances (Salter, Cooley, Smith) in key moments amplify team success in late-game situations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who were the statistical leaders in the game?
Kaidon Salter led Liberty in passing with 223 yards and 4 TDs; Quinton Cooley paced Liberty’s rushing with 105 yards. For ECU, Jake Garcia passed for 204 yards and Chase Sowell led receivers with 72 yards.
2. What was the total yardage for each team?
Liberty totaled 414 yards while ECU finished with 331 yards.
3. How did third-down performance affect the outcome?
Liberty’s superior third-down conversion (13/17) extended drives and limited ECU possessions, helping Liberty mount the comeback and control tempo.
4. Were turnovers a deciding factor?
Both teams had two turnovers, so turnovers were not the sole deciding factor; rather, situational execution and conversions determined the outcome.
5. What do these stats suggest for future matchups?
Teams that can combine a balanced rushing attack with efficient third-down play and time-management tend to outperform opponents with sporadic big plays—an insight coaches will use preparing future game plans.
Conclusion
A detailed look at ecu football vs liberty football match player stats makes clear that Liberty’s combination of balanced offense, better third-down efficiency, and controlled possession overcame ECU’s early firepower. The box score captures individual excellence, but the situational metrics explain why the final result favored Liberty. Coaches and analysts reviewing these stats will find the keys to both teams’ strengths and the adjustments needed going forward.