Saturday ended Liberty's 1st FCS playoff run. In the end, like Liberty had executed on JMU the week before, Nova had an almost 8 minute, 18 consecutive run drive that resulted in a go ahead, winning touchdown. Nova simply wore down the Flames run defense. After 3 straight weeks of close, away games, the gas seemed to run out of the defense for LU.

Against JMU the week before, the Flames had sustained an 11 minute drive to score and keep Lee off the field. Nova QB Robertson seems a worthy candidate for the Walter Payton award with his grit and skill and will to score. With the field goal uneasiness of Nova, Nova was not going to kick. A touchdown was their only option and Robertson was the man in charge. As LU was the better team last week against JMU, Nova was the better yesterday.

The last Nova drive was impressive with run after after run. They simply pounded the ball and they won.

But Liberty may have won more. Yes they lost the game, but the upsides and perception for a perpetual whipping boy team has changed. The Coastal win was noteworthy. The JMU win was monumental for the program. The play at Nova was respectful.

We're going to have chances to win some big games next year as well. I am looking forward to them.