Is Liberty QB Ethan Vasko's Injury the Turning Point in James Madison's Victory?

This weekend saw an eventful series of college football games across the region, highlighted by Liberty quarterback Ethan Vasko's unfortunate injury during the "Battle of the Blue Ridge," which resulted in a defeat for the Flames against James Madison. Meanwhile, the Apprentice School made a historic debut in the New South Athletic Conference with a resounding victory, and Richmond secured a solid win over VMI in a weather-affected match. The Military game between North Texas and Army was equally thrilling, culminating in an overtime showdown.

Last updated: 30 September 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways from the Weekend's College Football Action

• Liberty's Ethan Vasko left the game with a sling after a strong first half.
• James Madison capitalised on Vasko's absence to secure a 31-13 victory.
• Apprentice School celebrated a historic win in their first conference game.
• Richmond outlasted VMI in a game interrupted by lightning delays.
• North Texas triumphed in overtime against Army, showcasing a strong performance from Caleb Hawkins.

The "Battle of the Blue Ridge": Liberty vs. James Madison

The game between Liberty University and James Madison University marked their first meeting in over a decade, as well as their first clash as Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) teams. The sold-out crowd at Williams Stadium had high hopes but was left disappointed when Liberty's starting quarterback, Ethan Vasko, exited the game in the second quarter with his arm in a sling.

Vasko had shown promise early on, rushing for 52 yards and scoring the Flames’ only touchdown. However, his passing performance was less impressive, completing just 4 of 10 attempts for 37 yards. This injury left the Flames relying on backup quarterbacks Michael Merdinger and Ethan Houck, who struggled to find their rhythm, contributing only a field goal to the scoreboard.

James Madison's Dominance in the Second Half

James Madison took full advantage of Liberty's misfortunes. Alonza Barnett III was a standout performer, running for two touchdowns and throwing for 213 yards, despite an interception that came in a crucial moment. The Dukes managed to come back from a 13-10 deficit after Wayne Knight's decisive 1-yard touchdown run late in the third quarter put them ahead for good.

In total, JMU amassed 31 points, with Barnett's passing and rushing skills proving instrumental in their victory. The Dukes' ground game was bolstered by Knight's 89 rushing yards and Ayo Adeyi's 87 yards, forming a formidable duo that overwhelmed the Flames’ defence.

Apprentice School Shines in Historic Conference Debut

In a remarkable display of skill and teamwork, the Apprentice School Builders achieved an emphatic 59-0 victory over South Carolina Central Christian, marking their first-ever game in the New South Athletic Conference. The Builders scored consistently throughout the match, establishing a commanding lead early on.

Kendall Hunt was particularly impressive, throwing two touchdown passes and contributing a rushing touchdown. The Builders’ scoring spree included a 30-yard field goal from Logan Eastman and several short-yardage touchdowns from Colby Messe, Malachi Mitchell, and Tyreon Taylor.

Defensive Prowess and Second-Half Dominance

The Builders’ defence was equally relentless, culminating in Khamarie Trueblood's 65-yard fumble return for a touchdown just before halftime, extending the lead to 31-0. As the game progressed, they continued to dominate, with Bradley Hebb and Baker Green adding second-half touchdown receptions. Mitchell capped off the scoring with a 2-yard touchdown run late in the game.

South Carolina Central Christian, struggling throughout the season, was outscored 236-14 in their four games, highlighting the challenges they face in the early stages of the season.

Richmond's Resilience Against VMI

Richmond's matchup against VMI featured a rollercoaster of events, including a lengthy weather delay due to lightning. Once play resumed, Richmond took an early lead, only to see VMI battle back and tie the game at 14 with a touchdown pass to Owen Sweeney.

Key Players and Turning Points

Jamaal Brown was a standout for Richmond, rushing for a career-high 153 yards, while Andrew King added another 100 yards. Quarterback Kyle Wickersham played a pivotal role, throwing for two touchdowns and completing 10 of 13 passes for 166 yards. His touchdown pass to Isaiah Dawson helped regain the lead after VMI’s brief resurgence.

Richmond maintained control of the game with a dominant ground attack, accumulating a staggering 541 rushing yards. The Spiders improved their historical record against VMI to 47 wins, 40 losses, and 5 ties, further solidifying their local rivalry status.

North Texas vs. Army: A Thrilling Overtime Encounter

The American Conference opener between North Texas and Army was a tightly contested affair that culminated in an overtime finish. The Mean Green secured a 45-38 victory, propelled by Caleb Hawkins, who rushed for four touchdowns, including the decisive score in overtime.

Game Highlights and Key Players

Hawkins’ game-winning 3-yard touchdown came after Army, led by quarterback Dewayne Coleman, could not respond effectively in the extra period. Coleman had stepped in after Cale Hellums’ turnover issues limited his effectiveness earlier in the game. Despite Army's attempts to secure a win in regulation with a tying field goal, it was North Texas that ultimately triumphed.

Hawkins finished the game with 99 rushing yards on 14 carries, showcasing his explosive ability to find the end zone. The victory marked a significant achievement for North Texas, who improved their record to 4-0 for the first time since 2018, setting a positive tone for the rest of the season.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for These Teams?

As the season progresses, teams like Liberty and Army will need to regroup and assess their strategies in light of recent performances. The Flames will look to bounce back against Old Dominion, while the Builders will aim to build on their historic win in future matches. Richmond seeks to maintain momentum, and North Texas will strive to extend their winning streak.

Each game is crucial as teams vie for position in their respective conferences, and the outcomes will have significant implications for their postseason aspirations.

As we move deeper into the season, the question remains: which teams will rise to the challenge and secure their spots in the playoffs? Stay tuned for more thrilling college football action! #CollegeFootball #LibertyFlames #JamesMadisonDukes

FAQs

What happened to Liberty quarterback Ethan Vasko during the game?

Ethan Vasko left the game in the second quarter with an arm injury, which placed him in a sling. He had a promising start, rushing for a touchdown, but his absence affected the team's performance.

Who won the "Battle of the Blue Ridge" between Liberty and James Madison?

James Madison won the game 31-13, capitalising on Liberty's struggles after Vasko's injury. Alonza Barnett III played a key role in the victory.

What was significant about the Apprentice School's recent game?

The Apprentice School achieved a historic 59-0 victory over South Carolina Central Christian in their first game in the New South Athletic Conference, marking a successful debut.

How did Richmond perform against VMI?

Richmond won 38-14 against VMI, showcasing strong performances from Jamaal Brown and Andrew King. The game was marked by a lengthy lightning delay.

What key play decided the North Texas vs. Army game?

The game was decided in overtime when North Texas' Caleb Hawkins scored a 3-yard touchdown, leading to a 45-38 victory after a closely contested match.