Going bowling: Liberty will face Eastern Michigan in LendingTree Bowl

The game will be played on December 18th in Mobile, Alabama

Liberty quarterback Malik Willis (7) stiff-arms Campbell linebacker Roy Yancey (11) during an NCAA college football game in Lynchburg, Va. Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021. (AP Photo/Kendall Warner) (Kendall Warner, Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

LYNCHBURG, Va. – It was announced Sunday that Liberty will be playing in the LendingTree Bowl in Mobile on December 18th. The Flames will battle the Eastern Michigan Eagles.

Liberty has one previous matchup against Eastern Michigan, which has historical significance for the Flames. Liberty defeated Eastern Michigan, 25-24, in Ypsilanti, Mich., on Oct. 14, 1989, accounting for the Flames’ first-ever win over an FBS program.

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Liberty is making its third-straight bowl game appearance following back-to-back Cure Bowl wins in Orlando. Liberty defeated Georgia Southern, 23-16, in 2019 at Exploria Stadium and No. 9/11 Coastal Carolina, 37-34 (OT), at Camping World Stadium in 2020.

Liberty, who joined the FBS ranks for their first full season in 2019, is the third current FBS team to become bowl eligible in each of its first three seasons since transitioning from the FCS to FBS (Appalachian State: 2015-present; Marshall: 1997-02).

Liberty churned out a 7-5 record in 2021 that began with 3 straight wins to start the season. The Flames offense sputtered in their final three games where they faced their toughest opponents all season in Ole Miss, Sun Belt Champion Louisiana, and Army.

Eastern Michigan finished the 2021 regular season with a 7-5 record and tied for fourth place in the MAC West Division.


About the Author:

Eric is no stranger to the Roanoke Valley. He is a Roanoke native and proud graduate of William Fleming High School.