All attention will be turned to the quarterbacks on Saturday in the LendingTree Bowl, when 7-5 Liberty squares off with 7-5 Eastern Michigan in Mobile, Alabama. The Flames run the ball more than they throw it but are led by a potential first-round NFL Draft pick at quarterback in Malik Willis. Eastern Michigan will counter at quarterback with Cincinnati transfer Ben Bryant, who leads an offense that ranks 112th nationally in rushing.
Bryant’s play after three seasons as a backup for the Bearcats helped the Eagles rebound from a 2-4 record in 2020 to reach bowl eligibility for the third time in the past four seasons. Willis has thrown 12 interceptions this season, but that hasn’t stopped him from ranking 30th overall in the CBS Sports NFL Draft Prospect Rankings.
Willis, an Auburn transfer, is also Liberty’s leading rusher and is CBS Sports’ third-ranked quarterback prospect for the 2022 NFL Draft class. Though he’s technically a junior, this is expected to be his final collegiate game, and it’s opportunity to give pro scouts one last show after he landed in the first-round in two of three mock drafts updated this week by CBS Sports’ draft experts.
Liberty vs. Eastern Michigan: Need to know
Pass rush problems: Only Akron (63) has allowed more sacks than Liberty (50) in all of FBS football this season. Some of that is a byproduct of how often Willis runs, but protecting the passer hasn’t been a strong suit for Liberty. Eastern Michigan has only sacked opposing passers 22 times this season, but if it can get after Willis in this game and force Liberty to play from behind the chains, EMU will have a much better chance to stay within striking distance.
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