After a 13-win 2023, the Liberty Flames had their sights set on crashing the College Football Playoff. Three losses in Conference USA play derailed that dream, but the opportunity for postseason glory remains.
The 8-3 Flames will take on the 8-4 Buffalo Bulls in 2025’s Bahamas Bowl on January 4 at 11 a.m. ET.
For Liberty, it’s a chance to course correct after a disappointing season that may be best remembered for being Kennesaw State’s first victim as an FBS program (the Owls finished 2-10 this year). It’s also a chance to prove there’s life beyond starting quarterback Kaidon Salter, who’ll miss this trip to the islands thanks to his place in the transfer portal
The Bulls will try to keep their recent hot streak going. Buffalo has won four straight games, scoring 43 points per contest in that stretch. Quarterback CJ Ogbonna is responsible for 16 touchdowns in those victories — 11 passing, five rushing — and should have the bulk of his regular season roster available in hopes of finishing the season with the most wins the program’s had since 2018.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL TURNOVER:
Liberty won’t just be missing the quarterback who led it to 21 wins the last two seasons. Leading rusher Quinton Cooler, who gained more than 1,200 rushing yards on better than six yards per carry, will also miss the Bahamas Bowl. This could put the spotlight on fill-in quarterback Nate Hampton — a backup who is already in the transfer portal and has thrown just 13 NCAA passes in four seasons with the Flames.
That gives Buffalo a tremendous opportunity to end Pete Lembo’s debut season with the program on a high note. Ogbonna has been cooking, but linebacker Shaun Dolac may be the Bulls’ brightest star. The first-team All-American led the MAC in solo tackles (76), tackles for loss (17) and interceptions (five) en route to conference Defensive Player of the Year honors.
