Willis scores 3 TDs in his Liberty debut, Flames win 30-24

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (AP) — Malik Willis rushed for 168 yards and three touchdowns in his Liberty debut as the Flames opened their season with a 30-24 victory over Western Kentucky. Willis, a backup quarterback at Auburn for two seasons before transferring and sitting out last year, ran for two short touchdowns in the first half and added an 18-yard run early in the fourth quarter for a 30-17 lead. Tyrrell Pigrome, a grad transfer from Maryland, threw three touchdown passes, including a 36-yard score to Craig Burt Jr. to get the Hilltoppers within 30-24 with three minutes left.