Liberty Tops Middle Tennessee, Clinches Title Game Spot
Kam Davis rushed for 126 yards and a touchdown as Liberty moved to 9-1 overall and 6-0 in Conference USA play.
Updated on Nov. 15, 2026 in Football
Liberty defeated Middle Tennessee 28-23 on Saturday, winning its ninth straight game and clinching a spot in the Conference USA football championship game on Dec. 4. Jacksonville State's loss to Western Kentucky dropped it to 5-1 in conference play and out of a first-place tie.
Why it matters
The win leaves Liberty alone atop the conference standings with two regular-season games remaining and secures its place in the league title contest. The result also reshapes the conference race, pulling Jacksonville State out of a share of first place.
Roman Gagliano threw for 202 yards while Cam'ron Lacy caught 10 passes for 97 yards, and Neo Clifton's 14-yard touchdown with 6:18 left cut the margin to 28-23. The stub does not provide play-by-play efficiency or defensive advanced metrics beyond these totals.
The players
Liberty Flames
Liberty University's football program competes in Conference USA and is based in Lynchburg, Virginia.
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
Middle Tennessee State University's football program competes in Conference USA and lost its conference matchup to Liberty on Saturday.
Kam Davis
Kam Davis is a Liberty running back whose 126 rushing yards and touchdown run helped lead the Flames' offense in the win.
The details
Liberty built a 21-10 lead after Kam Davis scored on a 23-yard run early in the third quarter, then Middle Tennessee pulled within 21-17 on a 23-yard pass from Roman Gagliano to Ziyon Butler. Deshawn Purdie's 10-yard touchdown pass to Makai Jackson pushed the lead to 28-17 before Clifton's late score narrowed it, and Liberty kept possession after that touchdown. Middle Tennessee scored twice after Liberty turned the ball over on downs in its own territory.
Timeline
Saturday: Liberty defeats Middle Tennessee 28-23.
Dec. 4: Liberty plays in the Conference USA football championship game.
Next Saturday: Middle Tennessee plays at Sam Houston, and Liberty hosts Western Kentucky.
Season Trajectory
Liberty's ninth straight win and sole possession of the conference lead with two games left position it for the Dec. 4 title game. Jacksonville State's loss removes a rival from first-place contention and tightens the conference race heading into the final stretch.
Liberty's position atop the standings means its remaining two regular-season games will determine seeding for the Dec. 4 title game. Fantasy managers tracking Kam Davis and Roman Gagliano can watch those upcoming matchups for production trends.
The takeaway
Liberty's nine-game winning streak and sole conference lead make the next two regular-season games decisive for its title hopes. Readers following Conference USA should track those results to see how the championship picture settles.
What happens next
Liberty plays Western Kentucky at home next Saturday, and Middle Tennessee visits Sam Houston the same day, with the Conference USA championship game following on Dec. 4.
Further reading
Explore more Football coverage for the latest Conference USA results and standings.
