Backup Billy Atkins threw for 181 yards and a touchdown in his first start since 2022.

Liberty and Western Kentucky needed nine innings to decide the winner.

Liberty moves to 8-0 6-0 with a in on Tuesday night.

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – The Liberty Flames defeated the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers 30-24 in their 2020 season opener. For the first time in nearly 4 years Liberty had a different starting quarterback after Stephen “Buckshot” Calvert graduated a season ago. Western Kentucky made another late comeback attempt when Pigrome threw his third touchdown pass, for 36 yards, with 3:04 remaining in the game. While the Flames defense didn’t record any sacks, it did create havoc in the backfield with 16 tackles for loss. Liberty will now return home to prepare for a 1 p.m. kickoff against Florida International University at Williams Stadium next Saturday.