Box Score LYNCHBURG, Va. – For the second straight week, the Bearkats played a game down to the wire, and for the second straight week, they came up just short. 
 
Playing on the road for the first time in Conference USA play, the Kats gave the unbeaten Liberty Flames all they could handle Thursday night in a 21-16 loss.
 
Trailing at the half by 11, the Bearkat defense pitched a shutout in the second half, giving the team the chance for a win.
 
Trailing by 5, quarterback Keegan Shoemaker led a drive the started on his own 1-yard line with three minutes left to play. Shoemaker marched the Kats to the Liberty 3 before a final 4^th-down pass with seven seconds remaining fell incomplete. 
 
Shoemaker led a pair of touchdown drives in the game, twice connecting with Al'vonte Woodard for scores. The two first hooked up for a touchdown on the opening drive of the game for the Bearkats, answering a score by Liberty.  
 
Shoemaker and Woodard connected again midway through the third quarter on a 20-yard score. The two-point conversion attempt was no good, cutting the Liberty lead to 21-16. 
 
Shoemaker completed 27 of 41 passes for 255 yards and the two touchdowns. He also added 52 yards on the ground on seven carries. 
 
Noah Smith led all receivers with 13 catches for 97 yards. Malik Phillips also topped 90 yards receiving hauling in five balls for 94 yards. 
 
The Kats have a quick turnaround with another conference road game on Wednesday when they take on New Mexico State.