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2019 Cure Bowl Champions

2019 FBC MORTGAGE CURE BOWL In a season that saw the offense grab most of the attention with its prolific numbers, it was the Liberty defense that showed up in its biggest game. A stout defensive effort led Liberty to a 23-16 win over Georgia Southern in the 2019 FBC Mortgage Cure Bowl. With the win, the Flames capped off the most memorable year in program history with an 8-5 record. Liberty completed its FBS reclassification process in August 2019, received its first-ever bowl game invitation on Dec. 8, and walked away from Exploria Stadium with a bowl game trophy in hand. With the victory, the Flames became the third FBS transitioning team in NCAA history to win a bowl game during their first season at the FBS level. Georgia Southern came into the game ranked No. 8 in the country in rushing offense, averaging 261.5 yards per game. Liberty came into the game ranked No. 100 in the nation in rushing defense, surrendering 192.7 yards per game on the ground. Liberty’s defensive effort held Georgia Southern to 154 rushing yards, a single rushing touchdown, and three field goals in the victory. On the day, the Flames outgained the Eagles in total offense (402 to 249). Flames defensive end Jessie Lemonier was named the 2019 Cure Bowl MVP, finishing the game with eight tackles, including two sacks. Lemonier ended his two-year career with the Flames ranked third in program history with 20.5 sacks. Liberty’s four-year starting quarterback Stephen Calvert finished the day completing 16-of-35 attempts for 270 yards and two touchdowns. He ended his career as the program’s all-time career leader in passing yards (12,025), completions (896), and touchdowns (93).

Antonio Gandy-Golden finished his last game in a Liberty uniform with five receptions for 63 yards and a touchdown. Now a member of the Washington Football Team, GandyGolden completed his career as the program’s all-time leader in receptions (240), receiving yards (3,814), and touchdowns (33).

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