Fan the Flames: 2008 Wrapup

Well its been a couple weeks since the Flames concluded their 2008 season. LU defeated Gardner Webb 30-10 (the closest one of my predictions has been ALL year long) to complete their second straight perfect run in the Big South, and then capped off one of the best seasons in LU history by pasting the Elon Phoenix from the Southern COnference 26-3.

Then came selection Sunday for the 2008 NCAA Division I Football Championship. LU had heard that if they beat Elon there was a very good chance they made the playoffs so I joined the team in teh Williams Football Operation Center to celebrate an historic occasion. But something happened on the way to history...LU was passed over (along with an equally worthy William and Mary squad) for Maine in the picking of the last at large playoff berth.

Now its been very well documented my feelings about this, as well as what Maine brought to the table to warrant this selection. Maine finished with 3 losses to teams that actually made the field of 16 (New Hampshire, JMU, and Richmond) AND a loss to FBS Iowa. They did not beat a single ranked team all year (W&M beat JMU AND Liberty Beat YSU who was #25 at the time and Elon). Maine went on to be routed by #3 national seed Northern Iowa 40-15. But there are definitely plenty of great things about this season to make mention of:

1. Rashad Jennings. What else can be said that hasnt been said. Rashad in three years has shown that he is one of if not THE best RB we have had at Liberty. he is indeed a very rare talent and we should all be thankful he returned to the mountain
2. Brock Smith. He has matured so much in 4 years, even being considered as an NFL prospect at QB
3. Dominic Bolden. He has blossomed the last two years both as a wide receiver and as a kick
returner. He has shown he an be a dangerous threat every time he touches the ball.
4. JOnathan Crawford. To go from backup defensive back to #2 receiver and kick returner, J-5 has shown great improvement just like Dominic has and both of them have a real chance to make a name for themselves in the pro ranks.
5. Danny Rocco. The job he has done turning around this football program has been nothing short of miraculous. To take a 10 loss football team and turn it into a 10 win team in just three seasons and all while maintaining the exact same coaching staff AND not pursuing other coaching opportunities...Coach Rocco has been an immense blessing to this school and this writer in particular is very thankful he is here.

Well that will do it for the 2008 season, but this blog will be back in March as we get ready for Spring 2009 Practice and we'll start looking at all the different positions for 2009.

Fan the Flames

Fan the Flames: Game # 11

Liberty got back on the winning track and what better place to do it then Lexington VA home to the VMI Keydets. Brock Smith threw for two TDs and Rashad Jennings added yet another 100 yard performnce to his stellar LU career as the Flames won 38-26. With the loss by this week's opponent (more on that in a minute), the Flames claimed their second consecutive outright Big South Conference football championship. The focus now changes. Liberty still has an outside chance at making the postseason even with two losses so far. But to make that a reality they need to win their last two games, which moves us to this week:

(5-5, 2-2)

vs.

#22

(8-2, 4-0)

The meaning of this game changed last weekend after Gardner Webb lost to Coastal Carolina 23-18. If the Runnin Bulldogs had pulled out the victory, then this game basically would have been for all the marbles (just like last year). That does nto mean that the Flames can relax any. Gardner Webb may not be able to play for the conference title anymore but they can still play the role of spoiler for the Flames' playoff hopes. Devin Campbell is the major catalyst for this team. He has yet to throw an INT on the season but has thrown for 9 TDs. Phillip Peoples is the leading rusher having gone for 583 yards and 6 TDs in his 115 carries.

The Flames know how important this game is. As a friend of mine of the Liberty "FlameFans" message board "JDUB" said, this team is hit or miss. If the team that very nearly knocked off Georgia Tech shows up at Williams Stadium, we could be in for a dogfight (pun not intended). If the team that lost to Tennessee Tech, Sam Houston State and Charleston Southern shows up...the Flames could roll right over them. I think the Flames take the win because they dont look past this team.

LU 31

G-W 10

Fan the Flames: Game # 10

I did something similar to this last time with Coastal Carolina but now it has an official name.

I will, starting with this weeks game against VMI, combine my Preview and Prediction into one post.

Liberty is coming off a heartbreaking loss to the Blue Hose of Presbyterian College 31-28, and (random stathound alert) This is actually Liberty's first loss in the state of South Carolina since 2006 (28-26 loss to Coastal). Liberty's playoff hopes took an almost deadly blow with the loss. The Flames still have a small chance of making the postseason but they cannot lose another game (including the very tough season finale at home vs Elon which very well could be for a playoff berth). Now the focus turns up 501 to an old foe...

#25 (7-2, 3-0)

vs.

(3-5, 1-2)

VMI and Liberty...well you cant sugarcoat it...they just dont like each other. The teams have met 7 times with the Flames taking 4 of the meetings including the last 2 in Lexington. VMI is led by converted slotback Tim Maypray who took over the signal calling duties with the injury to starting QB Kyle Hughes early in the season. VMI runs a wishbone offense and that means a lot of running plain and simple. In spite of their record the Keydets have rushed for a staggering average of 337.4 yards per game as a team led by Maypray and his 879 yards (approx 110 yards per game). Liberty is equal to the task running the ball led by Walter Payton Award candidate Rashad Jennings. The Flames have rushed for 2045 yards (227.2 yards per game) while allowing only 960 yards (107 yards per game) while the Keydets have allowed 1327 yards on the ground this year (166 yards per game).

The big issue for the Flames is trying to force VMI into something they do not do all that often...passing the ball. Maypray has only attempted 12 passes on the year (completing 8 for 202 yards and 4 TDs) so getting VMI to pass more than they run would be a definite advantage, although the Flames have had trouble with the short passing game (as evidenced by last week vs Presbyterian and a few other occasions in the Danny Rocco era).

Prediction:

Really how this game turns out will depend on which Flames team we see at Foster Stadium Saturday. If its the team that played last weekend in CLinton, this game will go south faster than a pack of birds in teh wintertime. If its teh team that pounded VMI in Williams Stadium last fall The Flames will dominate. After the Flames lost to Lafayette they came out guns a blazing against Charleston Southern. I think more of the same this week as they see the absolute need to finish this "unfinished business."

Liberty 56

VMI 21

Fan the Flames Prediction: Presbyterian

Im gonna make this quick as Im posting this from WBRG 104.5 and Supertalk 1050 as I get ready to produce a high school game.


Liberty wins...big...nuff said

LU 49
PC 0

Fan the Flames Preview: Game #9

#17 (7-1. 2-0)








vs.






(3-5)

Liberty hits the road for the final road swing of the 2008 season (hard to imagine that we were just discussing the opener not too long ago) as they face the soon to be Big South foe Blue Hose (Presbyterian is not eligible for the conference title this year but their games will affect conference standings)

The Blue Hose come into this week after a 28-24 win over fellow transitioning program North Carolina Central in Clinton followed by a 47-21 loss in Boiling Springs to Big South member Gardner-Webb (in their first season as a member in all sports). The Blue Hose are led by RB S.J. Worrell who leads the Blue Hose with 420 yards on 101 carries (4.2 yard average) and 4 TDs, along with QB Tim Webb who has 1428 yds and 9 TDs. after recovering from a broken neck suffered in the game last year (which the Flames won 48-14 on Homecoming).

Game time is set for 1:30 PM from Bailey Stadium in Clinton, SC. I'll have my prediction up later this week. the game can be heard locally on 88.3 FM and online at www.wrvlfm.com


Fan the Flames

Fan the Flames Recap: Charleston Southern

Liberty came into this week needing to rebound after falling to Lafayette at Williams Stadium and with a number of football alumni (including former coach Sam Rutigliano and All Pro TE Eric Green who both had jerseys retired at halftime), rebound they did. Brock Smith threw for 269 yards and 2 TDs, Rashad Jennings rushed for 2 more and Liberty stifled the Buccaneer passing game and the Flames move to 2-0 in Big South play with a 42-0 victory on Homecoming. This was the second straight win for the Flames on homecoming and the second straight year they scored 42 points (won 42-14 over Presbyterian last year). This also is LU's 5th straight win at home over Charleston Southern and the Flames' 43rd straight win at home when scoring at least 30 points.

Before I go into my stars of the game and key stats, here is a list of teams that Liberty has beaten on this streak I just referenced:

1992
Morgan State
Central Florida
Delaware State

1993
Concord
Charleston Southern

1994
Concord
Catawba
New Haven
Charleston Southern

1995
West Virginia Tech
Morgan State
Wofford
Western Kentucky

1996
Charleston Southern

1997
Glenville State
Elon
Cal Poly

1998
Norfolk State

1999
Fayetteville State
Johnson C Smith

2000
Wingate

2001
Delaware State
Wingate

2002
West Liberty State

2003
Kentucky Wesleyan
VMI
Norfolk State
Coastal Carolina
Hofstra

2004
West Virginia Tech
Charleston Southern

2005
(Only season where LU failed to score at least 30 points in a game at home during streak)

2006
Glenville State
Charleston Southern

2007
Tusculum
Shippensburg
St Francis (Pa.)
Presbyterian
Coastal Carolina
VMI
(Only season where LU has scored at least 30 in EVERY home game)

2008
North Greenville
Glenville State
Stony Brook
Charleston Southern

(The Lafayette game ended a streak of consecutive home games scoring at least 30 points at 9)


Stars of the Game:

1. Jonathan Crawford: J-5 had a career day as he caught 6 passes for 124 yards (career high) and 2 TDs including a 69 yard pass to get things started for the Flames
2. Rashad Jennings: What else is there to say? The senior had another great game and added 2 more TDs
3. Brock Smith: The senior had another efficient game (threw one INT but it was on the last play of the 1st half) and spread the ball around very well passing to 8 different receivers


Key Stats:

Brock Smith: 17-27-269 yards-2 TDs (69 yards, 10 yards)-1 INT, 2 rushes- -5 yards-1 TD (1 yard)
Rashad Jennings: 23 rushes-127 yards-2 TDs (1 yard, 1 yard) 1 catch-8 yards
Jonathan Crawford: 6 catches-124 yards-2 TDs (69 yds, 10 yds)
Dominic Bolden 5 catches-117 yards, 2 rushes-34 yards-1 TD (25 yards)


The Flames head back on the road for two games, starting with a trip to Clinton, SC to face the Presbyterian Blue Hose in Big South play. Kickoff is set for 1:30 PM at Bailey Stadium.

Fan the Flames Recap: Charleston Southern

Liberty came into this week needing to rebound after falling to Lafayette at Williams Stadium and with a number of football alumni (including former coach Sam Rutigliano and All Pro TE Eric Green who both had jerseys retired at halftime), rebound they did. Brock Smith threw for 269 yards and 2 TDs, Rashad Jennings rushed for 2 more and Liberty stifled the Buccaneer passing game and the Flames move to 2-0 in Big South play with a 42-0 victory on Homecoming. This was the second straight win for the Flames on homecoming and the second straight year they scored 42 points (won 42-14 over Presbyterian last year). This also is LU's 5th straight win at home over Charleston Southern and the Flames' 43rd straight win at home when scoring at least 30 points.

Before I go into my stars of the game and key stats, here is a list of teams that Liberty has beaten on this streak I just referenced:

1992
Morgan State
Central Florida
Delaware State

1993
Concord
Charleston Southern

1994
Concord
Catawba
New Haven
Charleston Southern

1995
West Virginia Tech
Morgan State
Wofford
Western Kentucky

1996
Charleston Southern

1997
Glenville State
Elon
Cal Poly

1998
Norfolk State

1999
Fayetteville State
Johnson C Smith

2000
Wingate

2001
Delaware State
Wingate

2002
West Liberty State

2003
Kentucky Wesleyan
VMI
Norfolk State
Coastal Carolina
Hofstra

2004
West Virginia Tech
Charleston Southern

2005
(Only season where LU failed to score at least 30 points in a game at home during streak)

2006
Glenville State
Charleston Southern

2007
Tusculum
Shippensburg
St Francis (Pa.)
Presbyterian
Coastal Carolina
VMI
(Only season where LU has scored at least 30 in EVERY home game)

2008
North Greenville
Glenville State
Stony Brook
Charleston Southern

(The Lafayette game ended a streak of consecutive home games scoring at least 30 points at 9)


Stars of the Game:

1. Jonathan Crawford: J-5 had a career day as he caught 6 passes for 124 yards (career high) and 2 TDs including a 69 yard pass to get things started for the Flames
2. Rashad Jennings: What else is there to say? The senior had another great game and added 2 more TDs
3. Brock Smith: The senior had another efficient game (threw one INT but it was on the last play of the 1st half) and spread the ball around very well passing to 8 different receivers


Key Stats:

Brock Smith: 17-27-269 yards-2 TDs (69 yards, 10 yards)-1 INT, 2 rushes- -5 yards-1 TD (1 yard)
Rashad Jennings: 23 rushes-127 yards-2 TDs (1 yard, 1 yard) 1 catch-8 yards
Jonathan Crawford: 6 catches-124 yards-2 TDs (69 yds, 10 yds)
Dominic Bolden 5 catches-117 yards, 2 rushes-34 yards-1 TD (25 yards)


The Flames head back on the road for two games, starting with a trip to Clinton, SC to face the Presbyterian Blue Hose in Big South play. Kickoff is set for 1:30 PM at Bailey Stadium.

Fan the FLames Prediction: Charleston Southern

I'll make this a quick one. Liberty has beaten CSU 6 of the last 8, and they will be hopping mad after losing at home and they will win handily


Liberty 51
CSU 14

Fan the Flames: Game #8

(3-4, 1-1)

vs.

(6-1,1-0)

After suffering a tough loss, the Flames get back into Big South Conference play as the Buccaneers come a calling. LU has lost two of the last three years on Homecoming (10-7 to VMI in 2005 and 14-13 to William and Mary in 2006), but picked up a solid 48-14 win over eventual conference foe Presbyterian last year. The Buccaneers have not won at Liberty since 2000 and 6 of the last 8 overall in this series have gone the way of the Flames. The Bucs come in led by Clemson transfer Tribble Reese who has throw for over 1000 yards on the season and 11 TDs.

I'll have my prediction posted on Flamefans as well as this site later in the week.

Fan the Flames

Fan the Flames Recap: Lafayette

Brock Smith had a career high passing the football and Rashad Jennings recorded his 18th 100 yard rushing game, but it was nto enough as the Flames fell to Lafayette 35-21. This snapped LU's 11 game home winning streak, its 11 game overall winning streak. The Flames could not overcome two major special teams miscues, the first being a muffed punt by the usually sure-handed Dominic Bolden, and then a blocked punt for a TD, the first allowed by the Flames since 2001. Liberty did their best to make a game of it late, but a stop inside the Lafayette one and then a fake punt by the Leopards effectively sealed matters.



Stars of the Game:

1. Brock Smith: Even in spite of the loss, Smith has a career high in passing yards (344), pass attempts (37) and nearly had a career high in completions as LU rolled up huge offensive numbers.

2. Rashad Jennings: What else can you say? His 18th career 100 yard game and a highlight 58 yard TD run to spark the Flames in the second quarter.

Dominic Bolden: Despite the fumble on the punt return, the senior did have a career day receiving the ball.


Key Stats:

1. Smith 24-37-344 yds-2 TDs-1 INT
2. Jennings 20 carries-148 yards-1 TD

Liebrty doesnt have much time to rebound as the Buccaneers of Charleston Southern come to town for Homecoming. Game time is set for 3:30 PM.


Fan the Flames

Fan the Flames Prediction: Lafayette

This is a pretty important game for the Flames. Lafayette is 4-1 and is right on the cusp of being ranked. This game could be a big game for the Leopards but I think its even bigger for the home team as a loss here would be absolutely devastating. Lafayette has yet to score 30 points this season (they last did against Holy Cross last season) while Liberty has scored at least 30 points in all but one game this season and only failed to score 30 twice in the last 17 games. Additionally, (completely off the wall stat alert)Liberty has won 42 consecutive games at home when scoring at least 30 points. The last time they lost? November 2, 1991 against James Madison University (current #1 team in the land in I-AA/FCS football). I think that the Flames need to again get off to a fast start and I think that Rashad Jennings has a chance to put himself at the forefront in the Payton Award talk with this game. When I originally made my prediction on Flamefans (http://www.flamefans.com) I had this game picked 28-24. After doing a lot of reasearch this week I am going to adjust it a bit and say that LU keeps all their streaks going and gets a key win.


Liberty 35
Lafayette 20

Fan the Flames Preview: Game #7

(4-1)










vs.






(6-0)


Liberty steps out of conference for the 5th time in 7 games as they play host for the first time to Lafayette College out of the Patriot League. Although teh Leopards are fairly new to Flames fans, they have played a team that LC fans are extremely familiar with, Lehigh University. Lafayette and Lehigh have one of the longest active rivalries in all of college football as they will mark the 144th meeting of the two schools the final week of the regular season. LC comes to town winners of 4 of 5 to start the season (with the one loss coming two weeks ago to Harvard 27-13).

The Flames come in with the longest active winning streak in I-AA/FCS football at 11 wins in a row as well as the second longest active home winning streak at 11 in a row (behind the University of Dayton who has won 12 in a row and is at Davidson this weekend) and the Flames have not lost a game out of conference since losing to Toledo 35-34 last season).

Lafayette is led by their quarterback Rob Curley. He came in for 4 games last season (3-1 record) and actually played the Lehigh game with a broken hand and threw for the winning TD. Curley has 820 yards passing along with 5 TDs and 3 picks through 5 games this year.


I'll have my prediction for this game later in the week.


Fan the Flames

Fan the Flames Recap: Stony Brook

Teh numbers may not have been as eyepopping but you dont have to win every game 63-0 to dominate. Brock Smith threw for a TD and Rashad Jennings ran for two more as the Flames extended all three of their winnings streaks with a 33-0 win over the Stony Brook Seawolves. Defensive back Ryan Greiser also made an impact with a vicious hit on Lynell Suggs on SBU's first offensive possession. The Flames will probably be on the cusp of the top 10 in most rankings come tomorrow night.

Stars of the Game:

1. Mike Brown: This guy is going to be something else. He had a sweeping 30 yard TD on an end around on the Flames second offensive possession and made his presence felt all over the field
2. The Flames defensive backfield: Along with Greiser's crushing hit, Pat Calvary had an interception and they generally shut down the Seawolves' air attack even though Dayne Hoffman did finish with over 100 yards.

Key Stats:

Brock Smith: 14-20-136 yards-1 TD-0 INT, RAshad Jennings: 24 carries-101 yards 2 TDs, Dominic Bolden: 4 catches-46 yards-1 TD, Matt Bevins 4 punts-167 yards 2-2 FG (27 yards, 22 yards)

The Flames step out of conference this weekend as the Lafayette Leopards come to town on Family Weekend. Game time is set for 3:30 PM


Fan the Flames

Fan the Flames Prediction: Game #6

Stony Brook is a team that many Flames fans are not all that familiar with (unless you happen to be from New York). They have two very good running backs in Edwin Gowins and COnte Cuttino. The thing is that as I said Monday, the Seawolves have been outscored by almost 5:1 in the last 4 games. I was reading a piece by Liberty beat writer Chris Lang and he mentioned that Stony Brook has never beaten a full scholarship I-AA/FCS team on the road. Liberty is still in a back and forth for the longest active home winning streak in the country with Dayton (The Flyers host Drake University at Welcome Stadium Saturday at 1 PM). Zach Terrell may be out for the FLames but they have found quite a fine replacement in B.J. Hayes. I think that if Stony Brook can get on track early they can make this a respectable game but if they fall behind, as they have in the last three games, this one will be over by halftime. Im leaning more toward the latter on this one.


Liberty 56
Stony Brook 7

Fan the Flames Game #6

(1-4)











vs.









(5-0)


After a tought three game road trip that saw the Flames win all three by a combined 11 points, Liberty returns to Williams Stadium this weekend as they face off with first year Big South foe Stony Brook. The Seawolves are coming off a bye week but the week before, took one on the chin from Hofstra falling 41-3. They are led byRedshirt freshman QB Dayne Hoffman (51-of-119 for 670 Yards with 4 TDs and 6 INTs) and true freshman RB Edwin Gowins (398 Yds Rushing (7.1 YPC) 3 TDs) . The Seawolves have had trouble moving the ball on their own (211 yards last game vs. Hofstra) while giving up yards and points in bunches (outscored 106-43 in last 4 games).

Liberty comes off a big win down in Myrtle Beach (well...Conway) over Coastal Carolina 43-38. Rashad Jennings had 195 yards rushing and 3 TDs and was awarded another Big South Conference Offensive Player of the Week nod for his efforts.

I'll have my prediction later this week (hopefully a lot better than the last one)

Fan the Flames Recap: Coastal Carolina

Brock Smith threw for 239 yards and three TDs while Rashad JEnnings just missed his second straight 200 yard rushing game and the defense stood tall on a late two point conversion as the Flames won their tenth game in a row 43-38 over the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers. Jennings has a chance for a 4th TD but instead made the same decision as Brian Westbrook did in a game last season as he downed himself at the one yard line to allow LU to run out the clock. The Flames now have won 6 consecutive Big South Conference football games dating back to the 2006 season, won back to back games against Coastal for the first time, and won in Conway for the first time.

Stars of the Game:

1. Rashad Jennings: The senior RB again showed why he is in the running for the Walter Payton Award after another excellent performance. He also added two receiving TDs to finish with 5 on the day (good for 30 points)
2. BJ Hayes: After sitting out last season as a redshirt, Hayes has immediately made his presence felt on the offense and he certainly made an impact with the longest run AND longest TD run of the year (66 yds) and finished with 120 all purpose yards and that TD

Key Stats:

Brock Smith: 15-24-239-3 TDs-0 INT
Rashad Jennings: 35 carries-195 yards-1 TD, 3 catches-33 yards-2 TDs
Dominic Bolden: 5 catches-93 yards-1 TD

After being on the road three of the last four weeks, the Flames return to the friendly confines of Williams Stadium and put their 10 game home winning streak on the line against Stony Brook University. Kickoff is set for 3:30 PM.

Fan the Flames

Fan the Flames Game #6

(4-0) #20 Sports Network

vs.

(3-2)

Liberty begins its defense of the 2007 Big South title with the team whose reign the Flames ended in 2007.

The Chanticleers come into this matchup having won both meetings between the two teams at Brooks Stadium (33-6 in 2004 and 28-26 in 2006) and also winners of three games in a row including a 20-7 win last time out vs NC A&T from the MEAC. The Chants have not lost a conference game at home since November 2005 when they lost to Charleston Southern 34-27 in 2 OTs (Writer's Note: Presbyterian did not count in the conference standings in 2007 even though CCU lost 41-34).

Liberty comes in on a major roll. the Flames have not lost a conference game since losing TO Coastal Carolina in 2006. The Flames have won 9 games overall including a 37-24 decision in Lynchburg last season.

This game pits the last two Bog South Conference Offensive Players of the Week in QB Zach MacDowall of Coastal Carolina and RB Rashad Jennings of Liberty. MacDowall did not play last week against teh Aggies but finished with 197 yards of total offense and 3 TDs (2 passing) in a 31-3 win over Towson University.

Jennings had a career game last week against Youngstown State finishing with 220 yards on 29 carries and three TDs. Jennings also received national recognition as he was named National Player of the Week by The Sports Network.com

Im combining my prediciton post with my preview post this week as Fan the Flames is going on teh road to Myrtle Beach this weekend for the game and I will not be able to make my prediction post on Friday. Coastal is a tough beat at home but Liberty remembers the last time they were at the beach and will do what they can to make sure the game doesnt come down to the end like last week. I think the Flames win easily.

Liberty 38

Coastal Carolina 21

Fan the Flames Recap: Youngstown State

Rashad Jennings rushed for a career high and Matt Bevins nailed a 24 yard field goal as time expired to give the Flames a 31-28 victory at Stambaugh Stadium. This is the first win for Liberty over Youngstown State since 1991. This is a big win for Liberty as it gives them two wins over teams from auto-bid conferences (They defeated Western Carolina from the Southern Conference two weeks ago).

Stars of the Game:

1. Rashad Jennings- Career high in rushing yards for the senior and helped the Flames get back in the game after getting down early

2. Matt Bevins The true freshman in his first game as the full time kicker was a cool customer even though he attempted zero game winning kicks while in high school.

Stats of note: Jennings: 29 carries-220 yards-3 TDs, Brock Smith 15-23 151 yards- 2 INT, Bevins: 4-4 PAT, 1-1 FG (GW 24 Yd FG)

The Flames wont have a lot of time to celebrate this victory as they will be packing up (along with the Liberty University Marching Band AND this blog writer) and heading down to Conway, SC to face rival Coastal Carolina to open their defense of the Big South Conference title they won last fall. I'll have my preview of the game tomorrow.

Fan the Flames

Fan the Flames Prediction: Youngstown State

This is a major statement game for Liberty. A win here would do wonders for the credibility of the program as it works to improve under Coach Rocco. On the flipside, a loss here could very well give those who still do not see the Flames as a top notch program ammunition. Liberty has not won in the Ice Castle in 17 years. Youngstown is coming off a statement victory over North Dakota State last week. I like the Flames in this one but its gonna be a close one:

Liberty 33
Youngstown St 26

Game #4

Liberty (3-0)

Vs.

Youngstown State (2-2)

Liberty plays its second non-conference road game of the season this weekend as tehy head to Youngstown, Ohio to face off with the Penguins of Youngstown State. THe series has not been kind to the Flames as YSU holds a 6-2 advantage in the series, including a 49-0 shellacking of the Flames in Lynchburg in 2005.

Liberty comes off a bye week after a tough victory over Western Carolina in Cullowhee 19-16. YSU is coming off a thrilling 32-24 victory over #2 North Dakota State at the "Ice Palace" evening their record at 2-2.

Western Carolina Recap

Sometimes its better to be lucky than good...the Liberty Flames were a little bit of both last night. Although they dominated the Catamaounts of Western Carolina in every statistical category, it took a late interception to preserve a 19-16 victory down in Cullowhee, NC.

Star of the Game: Gotta acknowledge two people for this one: First, Rashad Jennings. Even though he had a broken pinky finger that he sustained against Glenville St, Jennings still rushed for 116 yards. Also, Chad Brown got a sack and recovered the fumble that led to what proved to be the clinching TD.

Stats of Note: Brock Smith 16-26-) INT 148 yards 6 carries-30 yards-1 TD; Rashad Jennings 28 carries-116 yards; Jonathan Crawford 4 rec-36 yards 2 KO ret-82 yards

The Flames now take a much needed bye week and this blog will do the same. I'll be back in two weeks with a preview of the Flames next matchup against the Penguins of Youngstown State


Fan the Flames

Western Carolina Prediction

Liberty has not scored less than 30 points since the 42-14 loss to Elon in 2007 (9 consecutive games). Western Carolian is rebuilding under Dennis Wagner and I think he will be a successful coach for the Catamounts. They are coming off a 69-0 shellacking to Florida State. If this one was at LU Id pick the Flames by about 4 TDs. This one is in Cullowhee where LU hasnt won in a very long time (in fact LU hasnt really won a meaningful road game in recent history). I think that changes Saturday night. I think the Flames go into the bye week burning hot and get ready to go to Youngstown off a win (and continue their streak of scoring 30 or more points)

LU 38
WCU 21

Fan the Flames Preview: Game #3

(2-0)

VS.

(1-1)

Liberty plays its first Div 1-AA/FCS opponent of the season as they make their first trip into the state of North Carolina since a 42-14 thumping at the hands of Elon last season. Western Carolina comes into this game having lost their first game of the season to Div 1-A/FBS Florida State 69-0. Western Carolina last year finished with their worst record since joining the Southern Conference finishing an abysmal 1-10 (0-7 in the SoCon). Kent Briggs the coach was fired after the season and Dennis Wagner, former coach at Nebraska and Wayne State was brought in to resurrect a program that has not won a game in conference since defeating Wofford 24-0 nov 5, 2005 (also the last time the Catamounts shut out a conference opponent).

Liberty comes off a 44-27 win over Div II Glenville State College 44-27 running its home winning streak to 10 consecutive games tying for tops in the nation with the University of Dayton. Liberty has not lost at home since losing a 27-24 decision to Gardner-Webb October 21 2006. Brock Smith passed for over 200 yards for the second consecutive game and Dominic Bolden had a punt return for a TD to go with 88 yards receiving and a TD. Zach Terrell added a rushing TD in his 18th consecutive game to pace the Flames attack.

Gametime in Cullowhee, NC is set for 6 PM. I'll have my pick for this one later in the week.

Fan the Flames

Glenville St Recap

Brock Smith kicked things off with a 72 yard TD to Dominic Bolden and Liberty went on to defeat the Pioneers of Glenville St 44-27. GSU got a fine game from Jerry Seymour and a couple late TDs to make things a lot closer than it actually was. LU was leading 44-14 midway through the last period.

Star of the Game: Gotta be Dominic Bolden. Not only did he have that 72 yard TD but he also had an excellent punt return for a TD. He finished with 88 yards receiving to go with that TD and 265 total all purpose yards.

Stats of note: Brock Smith, 7-11-202 yds-3 TD-2 INT; Zach Terrell 24-111 yards-1 TD (runs TD streak to 18 games); Bolden, 3-88 yards-1 TD, Matt Bevins 1-2 (Made 38 yards, missed 48 yards[short])

Fan the Flames Prediction: Glenville St.

For what its worth, Liberty does have a number of injuries at key positions, but this is a DII school. Liberty I think has enough depth to be able to score pretty much at will like they did against North Greenville last week. The rain will be gone by game time but points will be raining down on the LU side of the ball and the Flames get their 10th straight win

Prediction: LU 56, Glenville State 7

Fan the Flames Preview: Game #2

VS.











Liberty is on a real high right now having won 9 straight games inside Williams Stadium (currently second longest active streak in the nation behind Dayton University) and 6 games overall. Glenville State opened their 2008 campaign with a resounding 30-0 victory over Lock Haven University. Liberty has won all four meetings between these two schools including a 31-7 decision in 2006 in the most recent meeting between the two teams. James McCants is one to watch for in this one for the Pioneers as he finished with 227 yards and 2 TDs in the win over Lock Haven and even added a rushing TD. I'll have my pick on this one later in the week.

Recap: North Greenville

Hey folks sorry for the lack of preview on North Greenville. I'll get back on the ball with the next game

Brock Smith went 14-17, Rashad Jennings (preseason Big South Player of the Year AND part of the Walter Payton Award Watch List) had two TDs and Dominica Bolden finished with 100 yards and a TD as Liberty extended its home winning streak to a nation leading 9 games in a row with a 49-10 win. Liberty moves to 1-0 on the year and has not lost since a 35-34 loss to 1-A/FBS Toledo in 2007.

Post Script

I just wanted to take a second and offer thanks to the folks I got to talk to yesterday, Mr Connolly, Mr Hodges, Coach Godsil and to the FlameFans who were in attendance.

This blog will take a break with the completion of spring practice but when we come back in August, we will be previewing each Flames football contest every Friday night, and will have a wrap up of the day's game Saturday night once the recap is up. Thank you to everyone and their kind words and hope to see many of you out in Williams Stadium August 30.


Fanning the Flames,

BJ Williams

April 19, 2008

As I write my final spring practice entry, the 2008 Spring football game is drawing to a close. I'll update with the final score a little later but here are some of the things gleaned from today:

First, the team named the 2008 captains:

Offense
OL Mike Godsil
RB Rashad Jennings
QB Brock Smith

Defense
LB Nick Hursky
DB Ryan Greiser
DL Colin Dugan

Next the team handed out two awards:

Samkon Gado Award (Player showing most improvement over the course of spring practice)
WR Jonathan Crawford (more on him in a moment)
DB Donald Manns

Luke 2:52 Award (whole person development)
DE Steve Ackley 2008 graduate

Stars on offense:
QB Brock Smith. Smith was extremely efficient, and threw two TD passes, including a gorgeous deep ball to Dominic Bolden in the end zone. Smith could be looking at a very good last season as the #1 Flames signal caller
WR Dominic Bolden- Bolden will be the #1 receiver in the fall and he showed it today making a host of stellar catches including a leaping catch on the sideline and the over the shoulder catch on the pass from Brock Smith referenced above.
WR Jonathan Crawford- Crawford had a TD catch on a fade and made a number of good catches as well. Both Bolden and Crawford can count on big seasons this year
RB Rashad Jennings- Rashad played well, running with purpose and eating up large amounts of yardage. He didnt have any huge runs but he will very likely have a big season as well


Defense:
LB Mike Connoly- Mike has been fighting with Ian Childress all spring and it will go right into the fall as to who will be #1 at the Jack position
DB Chuck Duffey- Duffey was all over the field defending against offensive players, and actually had a couple interceptions on the day.
Donald Manns- Manns did get beaten on the TD catch by Matt Lambros, but for the most part he showed why he was voted the most improved player on defense for the spring
Ryan Greiser- The hard hitting defensive back from PA had another pair of bruisers in the game and defended very well.
Ben Shipps- although not a defensive player, special teams was included on teh defensive side of the ball and he looked very good. He hit a 26 yard field goal and both of his extra point attempts. I think he will have the inside track for the kicking job come the fall.


This concludes the 2008 spring practice season for the Liberty University Flames, now the players will work out and official practice for the 2008 season should begin August 1 as the team prepares for the season opener against North Greenville College on Aug 30


Until then...

Fanning the Flames,

BJ Williams

April15, 2008

Well the internet may have down yesterday but that was the only connection that wasn't working on campus yesterday as all three quarterbacks were hitting. One of the best plays was a long touchdown from Brock Smith to Dominic Bolden, who had beaten Pat Calvary on a deep route down the middle. The defensive side had a couple nice plays, including KaJuan Lee making n excellent interception right up against the sideline, and Chris Rocco very nearly intercepted a ball tipped by Kyle O'Donnell. Also, Chuck Duffey has an excellent pass deflection in one of one with Jonathan Crawford. Things are looking very bright for Liberty entering the final week. The team will have one more practice in full pads Thursday night, and then a light practice Friday before the 3rd Annual Spring Football Game at 1 PM Saturday.


Until Thursday...


Fanning the Flames,

BJ Williams

April 11, 2008

The team was right back out Friday afternoon for the 9th practice of the spring. Dominic Bolden was back at practice today after not being on the field yesterday, and he did not miss a beat. He made a number of catches in passing drills and definitely is looking to solidify himself as the #1 receiving target for Brock Smith come the fall of 2008.

A player who showed very well the last few sessions is Aaron Hewlett. With the absence of BJ Hayes, Hewlett has ascended to the backup "A-back" position behind Zach Terrell. He will prove very versatile as an A-back, a wide receiver and also a kick/punt returner.

Other new faces who are beginning to make a name for themselves are Mark Blakeney and Stetson Tchividjian. Even though both made some unfortunate drops on a few passes, both showed very well, particularly in the spread sets.

The team mixed things up in the 11 on 11 drills, with Spencer Landis working with the first team and Mike Brown working with the second team. The offense did very well, but the defense, particularly DBs Kent Hicks and Donald Manns made very good plays deflecting passes.

Also, I got to see Manny Rojas working with the linebackers during practice today. Many who remember him from his time on the field know he left as the #2 all time tackler in Big South Conference history.

The team will be back for its final Saturday practice before the annual spring football game Saturday morning at 10 AM there is a chance of rain so stay tuned on that one...

Until then...

Fanning the Flames,

BJ Williams

April 10, 2008

Tonight the team was back out after a day in the weight room, and the team is very eagerly anticipating the spring football game next Saturday. I spent much of my time at the field observing the two kickers, David Drake and Ben Shipps as well as the guys working on returns. Aaron Hewlett, Pat Calvary and Eugene Rogers were working with one of the coaches on ball tracking so chances are those three along with Dominic Bolden and Jon Crawford will be seeing time returning kicks and punts in 08.

As for the kickers, Both Drake and Shipps did well on teh shorter kicks from 20-30 yards. Both og them had some struggles in the 30-40 range, although Drake did split the uprights on a 50 yard attempt and Shipps did the same on a couple from 45. My hope is we wont HAVE to attempt kicks from that far out, but if we do, we have at least two kickers that can give the ball that kind of leg.

As a side note, senior linebacker Ian Childress was chosen to lead the jumping jacks.

Until Friday night...


Fanning the Flames,

BJ Williams

April 8, 2008

Its been a challenge to be able to observe the last few sessions with sickness and major projects taking up my time and making posting more of a challenge. The AMR department did have an excellent writeup on last night's practice so in lieu of a proper post about last night here is a link to their writeup on the official athletics site:


http://www.libertyflames.com/index.cfm?PID=10869&newsID=2512&TeamID=

I will have another writeup after the third Thursday practice.

Fanning the Flames,

BJ Williams

April 6, 2008

Well the LU football team completed their first full week of spring drills yesterday and though I missed a number of practices due to illness, I did get a chance to see a lot and here are some of my observations after the first week:

LU has the potential to score A LOT of points in 2008. The Flames scored 30 or more points in 10 of 11 games in 2007 (including the last 5). LU scored 40 or more points 5 times, 50 or more points 3 times and finished 4 points short of the all-time single game scoring record of 77 in a victory over VMI in the final home game of the season. With almost all of the offensive skill players returning in 2008, there is a chance that LU could rewrite the record books for both the school and potentially in the nation.

Second, WR could very well be the deepest position on the roster offensively. Jonathan Crawford and Dominic Bolden are showing that LU may not have a #1 and #2 receiver in 08, but rather a #1 and #1a. Crawford made a spectacular catch in a scrimmage yesterday on a 40 yard pass from Brock Smith. Both he and Bolden have shown that they are capable of eating up a lot of yards after the catch as well.

Third, is the emergence of BJ Hayes. he has started the spring as the #2 "A-Back" behind 2 year starter Zach Terrell but he has shown that he could be a very good option to complement Rashad Jennings if ZT needs a rest during a game.

Defensively, the backfield looks like it could be very stout with Kent Hicks and Pat Calvary at the corners making a number of good defensive plays. Mike Connolly, behind Ian Childress on the depth chart, could definitely see more time with the first team as he made a number of stops and actually nearly intercepted passes each time I observed.

The spring football game is approaching and as the team begins its second week, we should see things look somewhat more established as to who will have the inside track going into the summer.


Fanning the Flames,

BJ Williams

April 1 2008

Well after a break for the weekend to get over some sickness I was back out at practice as the boys were in full pads once again and tonight I focused on observing the 11-on-11 drills and the 7-on-7. Really tonight the offense shined, expecially the first team. Rashad Jennings had a number of big runs, including a couple that easily would have been touchdowns in a game situation. Brock Smith was very efficient on the night as well going 8 for 11. The stars on defense though were Kevin Richard and Chris Rocco. Both made solid hits in the tackling drill adn kept themselves very well in 11-on-11 for the defense.

Next practice is Thursday night at 7 PM.


Fanning the Flames,

BJ Williams

March 28, 2008

Today I spent the afternoon watching the defense. Here is how the defense looks starting out the spring:

DE- Kevin Richard (R-Sr)
NG- Colin Dugan (Sr)
DE- Trey Jacobs (Jr)
LB- Ian Childress (Sr)
LB- Nick Hursky (Sr)
LB- Kyle O'Donnell (R-So)
LB- Pat Bannon (So)
CB- Kent Hicks (R-Sr)
SS- Ryan Greiser (Sr)
FS- Chris Rocco (Jr)
CB- Pat Calvary (Sr)


Here is the overall look at the defense:

Defensive Line- The two seniors anchoring the first team line Richard and Dugan led the charge during the 11-on-11 work. Looking very good as well was the big German Soeren Wendland, who starts the spring as the #2 right defensive end behind Trey Jacobs.

Looking at the line as a whole, they got plenty of pressure in the backfield in brief scrimmages and looks like they could potentially make the plays that were missing.


Linebackers- One major observation that needs to be made right off is that #11 was all over the field. Flames fans that have been following the team the last two years (and those who read my entry from yesterday) know that number belonged to Stevie Ray Lloyd. This year though. that number belongs to redshirt freshman Mike Connolly. Connolly was all over the field, including just missing an interception off Spencer Landis during 11-on-11 drills. He starts the spring as the backup to senior Ian Childress, who made some good plays as well with the first team.

Another player worth noting is transfer Doncel Bolt. Bolt, a transfer from CA, begins practice behind Nick Hursky at the "Mike" linebacker position. He moved very well when he was on the field and looks like he could make some waves in the coming weeks.

Defensive backs- Only one player is gone from the backfield, as Pat Dickerson graduates in May. There are plenty of players stepping up even on the second day of practice. Kent Hicks. the transfer from Virginia Tech, moves into the left CB position to start the spring, with senior Pat Calvary on the right side. Chris Rocco moves into the #1 spot at free safety with Ryan Greiser, the hard hitting senior from PA, starting at strong safety. The DBs made a few nice plays but the quarterbacks were able to hit a lot of passes in brief scrimmages. Hopefully the backs will improve as the spring progresses, as the backfield was a liability at times throughout the 2007 season.

Looking at the special teams, really not a lot of action at practice but again David Drake and Wes Cheek punting during the special teams work. Cheek was the backup punter in 2007, but did have a number of decent punts and actually was able to consistently get punts out near midfield (he was punting from the 10 yard line).

Tomorrow the team will put on the full pads for the first time this spring and tomorrow I'll analyze that first day as we see, as Coach Rocco put it near the end of practice, "who is going to show up."


Fanning the Flames,

BJ Williams

March 27, 2007

So spring practice opened up for Liberty tonight. My observations this time around will focus on the offense.

Quarterbacks: On offense, Brock Smith worked with the first team and made a number of good throws. He did overthrow a few receivers in drills but generally looked very solid. Spencer Landis looked very solid as well, hitting a couple nice passes down the side. Tonight was my first look at Mike Brown, the QB recruit who redshirted last season. There were a couple things that impressed me tonight. First, was his poise in the pocket. He stood in very well and didn’t let the chaos faze him. On his last play, he showed off his mobility, eluding defenders and making about a 15 yard run on the right side.
Running Backs: Rashad Jennings was his usual self, slashing for big gains in 11 on 11 and showing why he was one of the top RBs in the Big South in 2007. Wes Cheek had a couple nice runs as well. An interesting sight was BJ Hayes working with the RBs and Danny Broggin working with the WRs (more on that later). I talked to Paul Carmany at the practice, and he told me that Hayes is listed as the #2 behind Zach Terrell at the A-Back position instead of Danny Broggin. Also, Derek Bishop did most of the work with the first team offense and he looks like the starting fullback this spring. Other RBs practicing were Osita Ofuani, Shay Nicholson and Terron Lawrence. Joey Sandvig also saw time at fullback. Zach Terrell, the #1 at A-back, saw a couple plays in the backfield, but spent most of his evening with the WRs like Broggin. Also seen working with the running backs was Alphonso Wells, who joins the team from Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham, VA.
Wide Receivers: Even with the graduation of Wynton Jackson and Brandon Turner, the cupboard is by no means bare at WR. First team receivers look to be Jonathan Crawford and Dominic Bolden, with Chris Summers (who is wearing #1) and Eugene Rogers working with the second team. Matt Lambros had a few nice catches as well as freshman Mark Blakeney and Aaron Hughlett, both freshmen who joined the team mid-year (Hughlett also runs track from what I was told). James Forystek also showed some good hands as well on the evening. Danny Broggin, who was listed as the #2 A-back behind Zach Terrell in 2007 spent the evening working with the WRs, as apparently he will be shifting to that position on a more permanent basis in 2008.

Tight Ends: Corey Rasberry, who redshirted in 2007 as a senior, enters the spring as the #1 TE. Right behind him, and also showing some good hands, was Will Quarles. Thomas Shaver also made some very nice plays on the evening. The redshirt freshman at 6’6” could see some time in short yardage and goal line situations.

An interesting observation from tonight...

A number of players had new numbers when practice kicked off. Chris Summers had #1 (previously worn by Wynton Jackson), Eugene Rogers wore #3, Rashad Jennings wore #23 (worn by Larry Claiborne last year), and Mike Connolly wore #11 (previously worn by Stevie Ray Lloyd). a number of other players had different numbers but I could not get their names. Look for a more in depth list of player number changes in a future blog.

Tomorrow I’ll focus on the defense and special teams.

Fanning the Flames,
BJ Williams

Welcome

Hello and welcome. My name is BJ Williams. I am a student at Liberty University and will be graduating in December with a degree in Communications. Over the course of the next few weeks you will see my personal analysis of the 2008 spring practice for the defending Big South Conference champion Liberty Flames football team. I hope to continue this blog during the season as well but for now watch for analysis of every practice session leading up to the annual Spring Football game April 19. The first practice will take place March 27 at 7 PM in Williams Stadium on the campus of Liberty University and is open to the public.

As a note right off the bat, as I said this is a personal blog. This is in no way affiliated with the university and the views expressed are my own and should not be construed as those of the school, the athletic department or the football team itself.