Liberty vs. New Mexico St Recap: Late Jones TD Cashes Both Overs

Liberty beat New Mexico State 30-14 on the road, but the scoreboard stayed tight until late. New Mexico State scored first on a 24-yard AJ Williams III catch from Trey Hedden. Chase Reeves answered with field goals of 35, 41 and 49 yards, and Deshawn Purdie hit Makai Jackson for a 15-yard touchdown with 18 seconds left in the half to make it 16-7. After a scoreless third quarter, Williams caught a 5-yard touchdown to pull New Mexico State within 16-14. Liberty then scored the last 14 points on a Kam Davis 8-yard run and a Peyton Jones 1-yard run with 1:03 left. Two DARIMARKET plays cashed on this game, and both were decided by that last touchdown.

What cashed

ALT: Over 39.5 total points (-265 at FanDuel): CASHED - Our read: The two teams had combined for 40+ total points in 16 of their last 20 games, and 12 of 16 this season, with Liberty's offense carrying most of that. - What happened: The game finished with 44 points, 4.5 past the line. It was a slow build: 23 points at the half and none in the third quarter. Davis' touchdown made it 37 total, and Jones' 1-yard run with 1:03 left pushed it over. - Worth watching: The over needed both teams: New Mexico State's 14 came on 2 Williams catches, and Liberty added 3 field goals and 3 touchdowns. A scoreless third quarter nearly stalled this one, which is the risk in an alt total even at a lower number.

ALT: Liberty over 27.5 points (-194 at FanDuel): CASHED - Our read: Liberty had scored 28+ in 5 straight games and 8 of its last 10, and 6 of 8 this season, heading into New Mexico State. - What happened: Liberty scored 30, 2.5 past the line. The Flames sat at 23 until a 10-play, 72-yard drive ended with Jones' 1-yard run. - Worth watching: Liberty controlled the ball for 37:05 and ran 44 times, and that volume gives a team total like this one room to land late. Reeves making all 3 of his field goals kept points coming on drives that stalled.

How the game played out

New Mexico State threw for 256 yards but ran for just 44 on 22 carries. Williams was the bright spot with 8 catches for 150 yards and both touchdowns. The Aggies turned the ball over 3 times, on a fumble and 2 interceptions, and Liberty did not turn it over. Purdie completed 19 of 28 passes for 252 yards and a touchdown, and Jackson led Liberty with 6 catches for 76 yards.

Trends to watch

• Liberty's time of possession: 37:05 to 22:55, with 44 rushing attempts.
• Reeves' range: field goals of 35, 41 and 49 yards, all good.
• AJ Williams III's role: 8 catches for 150 yards and 2 touchdowns against Liberty.

Stats are from the ESPN box score. Learn how a total works and what an alt line is, or check the CFB hub.