Springfield Standard

Missouri State University secured a late win against Liberty University on Saturday, with quarterback Jacob Clark completing all four passes on the final drive, including a 13-yard touchdown to freshman Tristian Gardner with just 27 seconds remaining. The Bears overcame a 10-0 halftime deficit to defeat Liberty 21-17 at Williams Stadium in Lynchburg, Virginia.

Clark completed 20 of 33 passes for 286 yards and two second-half touchdowns. He also scored on a one-yard run early in the fourth quarter that gave Missouri State its first lead of the game. The Bears improved their record to 6-3 overall and 4-1 in Conference USA.

Missouri State struggled offensively in the first half, managing only 84 yards and six first downs while trailing by ten points at halftime. However, the team responded in the second half by holding Liberty to just 145 total yards and generating three touchdown drives out of their last four possessions.

Clark's first touchdown pass was a 28-yarder to Jmariyae Robinson on third down, marking his 50th career touchdown pass. A key play during that drive included a third-and-14 completion to Gardner for 31 yards. Later, Clark led an eight-play, 80-yard drive capped by his own one-yard rushing score.

Liberty regained the lead midway through the fourth quarter when quarterback Ethan Vasko ran for a three-yard touchdown after running back Evan Dickens helped set up the score. The Flames led 17-14 with just over eight minutes left.

Missouri State had another opportunity late in the game after Liberty fumbled deep in Bears territory. Defensive end DJ Wesolak recovered and returned it near the goal line before losing possession, resulting in a touchback for Liberty.

After forcing a punt with under two minutes remaining, Missouri State began its final drive from its own 30-yard line. Clark connected with Robinson for 22 yards, Gardner for another 20 yards, and Ronnell Johnson for a further gain before throwing the winning touchdown to Gardner.

Gardner finished as Missouri State's leading receiver with five catches for 80 yards; Robinson added five receptions for 69 yards. Running back Shomari Lawrence led the ground attack with thirteen carries for forty-eight yards.

On defense, Thomas Anderson recorded eight tackles—including seven solo stops—and broke up three passes.

For Liberty, Vasko threw for one hundred ninety-six yards on eighteen completions out of thirty-five attempts. Dickens rushed twenty-eight times for one hundred twenty-seven yards and scored once.

In his debut FBS season as head coach, Ryan Beard has guided Missouri State to at least a .500 record this year. The Bears will host UTEP next Saturday at home during their homecoming weekend. Tickets are available through MissouriStateBears.com or at the Athletics Box Office at Great Southern Bank Arena during regular hours.