Purdie Throws Three Touchdowns as Liberty Tops Ball State 51-15
9 sourcesUpdated Sep 21, 2026
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Liberty dominated Ball State 51-15 on Saturday in Lynchburg, improving to 2-1 and earning its first victory over an FBS opponent since November 2025. Quarterback Deshawn Purdie completed 13 of 20 passes for 211 yards and three touchdowns, including two scoring passes to Jamari Person and another to Makai Jackson. Liberty also received touchdown runs from Kam Davis, Ethan Vasko and Jaylin Belford, while Ball State’s T.J. Horton scored twice. The Flames led 23-7 at halftime and extended the advantage throughout the second half, delivering their most decisive performance of the season after a loss to James Madison and a narrow win over Gardner-Webb. Liberty next visits Coastal Carolina, while Ball State travels to Kent State.
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Chadwell was right about the execution, this felt like their cleanest game and the first FBS win in a while is a solid step.
Liberty's defense shut down Ball State completely and that kind of balance makes them look like a real contender this year.
Purdie threw those touchdowns with real accuracy and the offensive line gave him plenty of time to work.