The utep football vs liberty football match player stats provide a comprehensive look at one of the most competitive non-conference clashes of the 2025 college football season. The UTEP Miners and the Liberty Flames battled it out in a high-scoring encounter that showcased skill, resilience, and standout individual efforts on both sides of the ball. This article covers every major aspect of the game — from team performance and key moments to complete player statistics — in an SEO-friendly, professional format.
Match Overview
The matchup between UTEP and Liberty took place at the Sun Bowl Stadium, where the Liberty Flames triumphed 34–27 in a tightly contested battle. The game was a showcase of offensive creativity, strong quarterback play, and defensive grit. Both teams exchanged momentum throughout the four quarters, with Liberty’s efficiency in the passing game and red-zone execution making the ultimate difference.
The utep football vs liberty football match player stats highlight a game defined by balance — UTEP’s ground-and-pound offense clashed against Liberty’s explosive aerial attack. Despite a late rally from the Miners, the Flames held on to maintain their unbeaten run.
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Key Game Highlights
- Kaidon Salter, Liberty’s quarterback, led his team with dual-threat brilliance, passing for over 260 yards and rushing for another 70.
- Deion Hankins once again dominated for UTEP with 125 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
- UTEP’s Tyrin Smith recorded a stellar receiving performance, tallying 102 yards on six catches.
- Liberty’s defense made critical plays in the final minutes, including an interception by Brylan Green to seal the game.
- Both offensive lines provided strong protection, allowing their quarterbacks time to execute big plays downfield.
These turning points form the backbone of the utep football vs liberty football match player stats that follow in detail.
Team Statistics Summary
| Category | UTEP Miners | Liberty Flames |
| Total Yards | 448 | 462 |
| Passing Yards | 278 | 267 |
| Rushing Yards | 170 | 195 |
| First Downs | 22 | 24 |
| Turnovers | 2 | 1 |
| Time of Possession | 30:38 | 29:22 |
Both programs showed balanced offensive execution, with Liberty’s red-zone efficiency and dual-threat quarterbacking proving decisive in this utep football vs liberty football match player stats comparison.
Player Stats Table
Offensive Leaders
| Team | Player | Position | CMP/ATT | YDS | TD | INT | RUSH | REC | TOT YDS |
| UTEP | Kevin Hurley | QB | 22/35 | 278 | 2 | 1 | 14 | — | 292 |
| UTEP | Deion Hankins | RB | — | — | — | — | 24–125 | 2–15 | 140 |
| UTEP | Tyrin Smith | WR | — | — | — | — | — | 6–102 | 102 |
| LIB | Kaidon Salter | QB | 19/30 | 267 | 3 | 0 | 11–70 | — | 337 |
| LIB | Quinton Cooley | RB | — | — | — | — | 19–110 | 1–10 | 120 |
| LIB | CJ Daniels | WR | — | — | — | — | — | 5–97 | 97 |
| LIB | Noah Frith | WR | — | — | — | — | — | 4–62 | 62 |
Defensive Leaders
| Team | Player | TACK | SACK | INT | FF | PD |
| UTEP | Tyrice Knight | 11 | 1.0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| UTEP | Kobe Hylton | 6 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| LIB | Brylan Green | 7 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| LIB | CJ Bazile | 8 | 1.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Analysis of utep football vs liberty football match player stats
The utep football vs liberty football match player stats reveal a high-tempo contest that featured balanced offensive execution and timely defensive stands. Liberty’s Kaidon Salter continued his reputation as one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in college football, blending passing precision with mobility to extend drives. His three touchdown passes and one rushing score were instrumental in securing the Flames’ victory.
On the other side, UTEP’s Deion Hankins and Tyrin Smith carried the offense. Hankins’ ability to break tackles and control the tempo kept Liberty’s defense honest, while Smith’s route running and deep-ball catches fueled UTEP’s scoring drives.
Defensively, Tyrice Knight led the Miners with relentless pressure, while Liberty’s Brylan Green delivered the game-sealing interception. Both teams’ defenses excelled in third-down situations, limiting long drives despite the high total yardage.
The overall utep football vs liberty football match player stats underscore that the difference came down to situational efficiency — Liberty converted in the red zone, while UTEP left crucial points on the board.
Key Takeaways
- Liberty’s dual-threat quarterback play set the tone early and sustained momentum throughout.
- UTEP’s running game remains their core strength, led by consistent yardage from Deion Hankins.
- Defensive resilience was evident, with both teams forcing turnovers at key moments.
- Third-down conversions and red-zone execution were deciding factors in the final score.
- Both programs displayed future potential in offensive creativity and defensive structure.
Conclusion
The utep football vs liberty football match player stats paint a picture of two competitive teams delivering an action-packed contest defined by execution, discipline, and athleticism. The Liberty Flames’ narrow 34–27 win highlighted their offensive adaptability, while UTEP proved their ability to compete with top-tier programs through balance and determination.
With over 900 combined yards of offense, both teams demonstrated the modern evolution of college football strategy — where mobility, precision, and toughness decide outcomes. The utep football vs liberty football match player stats serve as a testament to the depth and excitement of NCAA football, showing how fine margins separate victory from defeat.
FAQs
1. Who was the top performer in the game?
Liberty quarterback Kaidon Salter, who passed for 267 yards and rushed for 70 more with four total touchdowns.
2. How did UTEP perform offensively?
UTEP gained 448 total yards, with strong contributions from Deion Hankins and Tyrin Smith.
3. Which defensive player had the biggest impact?
UTEP’s Tyrice Knight with 11 tackles and a sack, while Liberty’s Brylan Green sealed the game with an interception.
4. What was the final score?
Liberty Flames 34, UTEP Miners 27.
5. What was the turning point of the game?
A late-game interception by Liberty’s defense that stopped UTEP’s final drive and preserved their lead.