On Wednesday of Week 9 of the 2024 college football season, the undefeated Liberty Flames were stunned by the unranked, zero-win Kennesaw State Owls. This loss, the first since the Flames faced the Oregon Ducks in the Fiesta Bowl last season, most likely ruined Liberty's chances at making an appearance in the College Football Playoffs.
Yes, it is just one lost on the Flames' otherwise perfect record. However, it was to Kennesaw State, a team that had previously failed to win a single game so far this season. Not to mention, Liberty already missed out on facing Appalachian State when the game was canceled because of Hurricane Helene.
UNBEATEN NO MORE!
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) October 24, 2024
0-6 Kennesaw State, a 27-point underdog, stuns 5-0 Liberty for its first-ever win vs. an FBS team 😳
It's the first time in 23 years a team 0-5 or worse has defeated a team 5-0 or better. pic.twitter.com/y1f7w1BB0u
So, with the odds heavily against the Flames to make it to the Playoffs at the end of this season and the Ducks marching through their year unblemished, so far, it looks as though there won't be a rematch of last season's Fiesta Bowl,
Last season, the Flames finished the regular season without a flaw on their record – a perfect 12-0. Liberty then went on to beat New Mexico State for a second time that season in the Conference-USA championship game.
However, Liberty met an immovable force when the Flames faced the Oregon Ducks in the Fiesta Bowl on Jan. 1, 2024.
Led by quarterback Bo Nix, the Ducks were looking to end their less-than-perfect season on a high note. With two losses to rival Washington looming overhead, the Ducks stormed through the bowl game and defeated Liberty 45-6.
While the Flames most likely won't get a chance to avenge their, slightly embarrassing, loss to Oregon from last season, Liberty could still win out and have the chance to appear in a respectable bowl game at the end of the year.