2014 Season Postmortem

Its been a while since my last post so let's recap:

After a soul crushing loss to Charleston Southern in the home finale, the Liberty Flames traveled down to Conway, SC to face the #1 ranked Coastal Carolina Chanticleers, in a place Liberty had only won one time in program history. Chima Uzowihe got his massive paw up and blocked an Alex Catron field goal as time expired and Liberty got the upset victory 15-14.,, clinching the first ever playoff bid for the Flames, despite having to share the title with the Chants.

The Flames then headed down I-81 and faced off with one of the hottest  teams in FCS in JMU, who had won 7 games in a row coming into the matchup, led by Payton  Award finalist and Georgia Tech transfer Vad Lee. Liberty rallied with 16 straight points, capped by a 1 yard Nicky Fualaau touchdown after a program and season defining 17 play drive in the 4th quarter to win the game 26-21.

The Flames then headed up to PA and faced off with the 6th seed Villlanova Wildcats and eventual Payton Award winner John Robertson. The Wildcats turned the tables on Liberty and capped off their own soul crushing drive with a 1 yard RObertson sneak to cap off a 29-22 victory.

Tthis season was all about resolve in the second half of the year. After losing to Richmond in overtime, most expected "typical Liberty" to fold and finish off another mediocre year and miss the playoffs once again. The season turned the week after the UR loss when Liberty knocked off first year FBS and former FCS national champion Appalachian State down in Boone, NC 55-48. It seemed after that game that there was a new attitude, and it showed the rest of the season, save the CSU loss,  and that attiitude bore fruit down the  stretch.

Now as we look ahead to 2015, the expectations are significantly higher. Gone is the "typical Liberty". That was blown to smithereens with that run at the end of this past season. Next week we will begin taking a look at the 2015 Liberty football team as we count down to spring football, and will hopefully have a chat with Jon Manson of LibertyFlamesNation.com

Fan the Flames Preview: James Madison

Well readers, for the first time ever, I am not doing a postmortem post the week after the final regular season game for the Liberty Flames football team, after Chima Uzowihe swatted away a potential game-winning field goal by Coastal Carolina kicker Alex Catron, preserving a 15-14 Flames victory, the 7th Big South football championship in 8 years (5th shared title) and an automatic bid to the NCAA FCS playoffs, becoming the third Big South team (second current) to qualify, joining CCU and current CAA member Stony Brook.

Stephon Masha in his second career start, threw one TD pass to first team all-conference WR Darrin Peterson (more on All-Conference in just a minute) and Big South Special Teams Player of the Year Jon Lunsford kicked the go ahead field goal setting the stage for the exciting conclusion.

This win was a statement for Liberty. In the 8 years since current Richmond HC Danny Rocco took over the Flames in 2006 (2007-2014), The Flames have played a game where at least a share of the Big South title was on the line...6 times (2007, 2008, 2010, 2012 and 2014), the Flames came out on top. The only two losses came in 2009 and 2011 against Stony Brook.

Well a new journey begins this weekend in Harrisonburg...

#20 Liberty (8-4, 4-1 Big South 2014 Big South Champions)

vs.

 #15 James Madison (9-3, 6-2 Colonial 2014 CAA at-large)

Matchup:

Location: Bridgeforth Stadium, Harrisonburgm VA

Series: 22nd Meeting (Liberty leads 19-2)

Last Meeting: 56-14 LU (09/17/2011)

Kickoff: 4:00 PM

Radio: Victory FM Radio Network (Liberty) Alan York play-by-play, JMU/Ntelos Sports Network (JMU) Mike Schikman play-by-play

Television: ESPN3 (National) Dave Weekley play-by-play

Coaches: Turner Gill (3rd Season at Liberty, 22-13 Record), Everett Withers (1st Season at JMU, 9-3 Record)
Last Week: Liberty W 15-14 vs. JMU W 59-27 vs. Elon


Prediction

This game will come down to the two QBs and the two defenses. Flames starter for much of the season Josh Woodrum will be back for this one after missing the last two games recovering from an infection to his leg. Georgia Tech transfer Vad Lee leads the Dukes into the playoffs.

There is a lot working against the Flames this weekend, but they went into a game as underdogs with a lot on the line last week and did just enough to get the win. JMU is a whole new breed of cat. I will make what a lot of people will call a homer pick and go with Liberty to face off with 6 seed Villanova next week after an old west shootout at Bridgeforth

Liberty 59
JMU 56

Do You Remember Where You Were...?

I am contributing a little something to a site called LibertyFlamesNation.com for a feature they are doing called "FlameFans Featured". Here is my post:


There are some moments in life that are so profound that you always remember where you were when they took place...The Kennedy assassination, the first walk on the moon, 9/11...

The same can be said for sports moments as well. Whether its "The Catch" by Dwight Clark, The Music City Miracle, Sid Bream in the NLCS...

Jon Carone mentioned where he was in 2008 when Liberty lost out on a playoff berth on Selection Sunday. I was at home in Portsmouth, VA that evening, but I had made travel plans to be back in Lynchburg so I could be part of the marching band. It was a gut wrenching feeling when I got word online that we had not made the playoffs...reading FlameFans that night and in the days that followed was like watching the Five Stages of Grief unfold on an internet message board.

I spent the Stony Brook game the next year in the computer lab in DeMoss following the game on ESPN StatTracker, again preparing my travel plans for a playoff game...that TD to Jordan Gush hit me like a 12th round desperation haymaker to the chin...and once again, Liberty came up short.

I have been in church, in bed recovering from surgery and last year, I was traveling with my newly pregnant wife when I got the seemingly inevitable word...but this year, I can remember where I was for a different reason. This year I remember where I was...when history was made. I was in my parents' family room helping prepare for family coming in for Thanksgiving. I had the live stats up on the computer nearby because I could not bear to watch (or even listen to) another year of heartache. As one of the resident "koolaid drinkers" on FlameFans, the losses were particularly painful, because deep down inside, I was losing hope. I knew I could not keep mustering up excuses and explanations and Chicago Cubs fan style "wait til next year" posts...so when I refreshed the page on Twitter and saw Chris Lang post..."blocked" on that final field goal attempt...I didn't scream, I didn't go running all over the house with my shirt off...I simply breathed a sigh of relief, pulled on my Liberty University hoodie and quietly said to myself, "finally" as I headed outside to do some yardwork.

While I won't be in Williams Stadium (or Bridgeforth Stadium for that matter) witnessing the 2014 Liberty Flames football team make history on Saturday, I do know I will be wearing my red...and glad I have a story to tell my now 17-month old son about a pretty special Saturday that I and I'm certain many other members of Flames Nation, will not soon forget...

BJ Williams
Liberty '09
Writer, Father, Broadcaster and Flames Fan til I die

FAN THE FLAMES
#BEATJMU

http://flamesfootball2008.blogspot.com

Fan the Flames Preview: Charleston Southern

The Liberty Flames overcame a plucky Monmouth Hawks squad last week on Military Appreciation Day at Williams Stadium 34-24. The Flames wore these special logos on their helmets to mark the occasion:

Josh Woodrum was Captain America for the Flames, finishing with 203 yards, becoming the fourth QB in Liberty history to throw for over 7,000 yards in a career. He added two TD passes to raise his career total to 49, tying with former standout Paul Johnson, who was part of the Flames transition to Division I football under Sam Rutigliano.

Darrin Peterson played the part of the invisible man on Saturday, as the 5th rated receiver in all of FCS finished with only 1 catch for 31 yards...it did go for a TD.

DJ Abnar was an absolute mule last Saturday, carrying the ball 39 times for 164 yards and the other 2 TDs.

With the win, Liberty guaranteed a shot at the Big South title and NCAA automatic bid down in Conway, SC against Coastal Carolina. Before that though, there is one more home game...

Charleston Southern 7-3 (2-2 Big South)

vs.

 Liberty 7-3 (3-0 Big South)

The longest tenured series in program history is renewed once again in Lynchburg as the Flames close out the home portion of the season against the Buccaneers. Liberty first faced off with CSU in 1993 (a 42-6 Flames victory) and has won 19 of the previous 21 meetings between the two, including two streaks of 7 wins or more (including the current eight game run). CSU got their only win in Lynchburg in the series in 2000 when they won 25-0.

A late breaking development came in on the FLameFans message board last night as Flames starting QB Josh Woodrum was apparently injured at the end of practice on  Wednesday, and his availability for today's game  is now in doubt. If he cannot go, the keys to the Corvette that is the Flames offense will be handed to Stephon Masha, who has made some appearances as a third RB option with Todd Macon out due to injury. Macon is available to return today which is something Flames fans are no doubt happy about.

Matchup:

Location: Arthur L. Williams Stadium, Lynchburg, VA

Series: 22nd Meeting (Liberty leads 19-2)

Last Meeting: 56-14 LU (11/23/2013)

Kickoff: 3:30 PM

Radio: Victory FM Radio Network (Liberty) Alan York play-by-play, Buccaneer Sports Network (CSU) Kevin O'Rourke play-by-play

Television: Liberty Flames Sports Network, Mike Tilley play-by-play/ESPN3 (National) Mike Hogewood play-by-play

Coaches: Turner Gill (3rd Season at Liberty, 21-12 Record), Jamey Chadwell (2nd Season at Charleston Southern, 17-6 Record)
Last Week: Liberty W 34-24 vs. Monmouth, Charleston Southern W 44-14 vs. Gardner-Webb

Prediction

Masha is a very athletic QB as he showed not only in his high school film but also in spring practice. With only a couple days to get first team reps, Coach Stamn no doubt will play to his strengths, but not open up things as much as he would with Woodrum running the show, especially with the Big South Championship game coming next week down in Conway.

CSU is playing well, I just do not see them as being able to get over that hump with the Flames and the defense makes enough plays to keep them off the board much until late, and whoever the Flames QB is, they make enough plays to help LU cruise on down to Myrtle Beach...

Liberty 38

CSU 14

Fan the Flames Review: Monmouth

Josh Woodrum became the 4th QB to throw for over 7,000 yards in a career, finishing with 203 yards and 2 TDs, and DJ Abnar finished with 164 yards on a workmanlike 39 carries. Darrin Peterson had one of the lowest games productionwise of his career due to the Hawks defense double and triple-teaming him in coverage, but he did finish with his 8th TD of the year and now stands 22 yards away from joining the 1000 yard club and 36 yards from entering the top 5 for single season yardage total.

The Flames won their 4th consecutive game, and improved to 3-0 in the Big South, cementing a winner take all matchup with Coastal Carolina down on the Grand Strand in 13 days.

It wasn't the prettiest of victories, especially considering the Flames were 20 point favorites over a team they had beaten by 30 in Lynchburg last season, after giving  up 24 points, when averaging 7 points allowed in the last 2 conference games, but as I said on the Flamefans board,, it doesnt matter if you win pretty or win ugly, as long as you have one more point than the other team when the clock strikes 0:00 in the 4th quarter.

Inside the Numbers

Here are a few numbers to take away from yesterday's win

9- Liberty head coach Turner Gill improved to 9-0 in the month of November. The man certainly knows how to finish strong.

Josh Woodrum threw for a TD pass for the 9th straight game after failing to toss one in the loss to UNC at the beginning of the year.

2- DJ Abnar is averaging 2 times as many carries in the last 4 games (30) than in the first 6 games (14)

10- With the win, Liberty clinched a winning conference record for the 10th time in the 12 year history of the Big South as a football conference. The only times the Flames have not finished with a winning record were 2005 (0-4) and 2006 (2-2)

20- The win is the 20th in 21 Big South home games dating back to 2006

With one touchdown next week, Josh Woodrum can move into 4th on the single season touchdown passes list, after tying former QBs Brock Smith and Antwan Chiles at 19.

50- Also, next week with a TD pass, Woodrum becomes the third QB in program history with 50 career TD passes

We will have an expanded preview coming on Tuesday in preparation for the home finale against Charleston Southern.\

Some Monmouth Perspective on the game

We are less than 24 hours from the annual Military Appreciation Day game against the Monmouth Hawks. Before we jump into my chat with Monmouth beat writer Josh Newman from the Asbury Park Press, here is a look at the helmet the Flames will be using for the matchup tomorrow (credit to Liberty Flames Equipment on Twitter(:

DEfinitely one of my favorites as far as helmet logo goes...

Anyway, Thanks to Mr Newman for answering a few questions for us ahead of tomorrow's game. I hope he had a good trip and enjoys himself in Lynchburg this weekend (well except the final score). Here is our chat from Wednesday:

Fan the Flames: Monmouth is in its first season in the Big South after years in the Northeast Conference, which had fewer scholarships. How have the growing pains been for the Hawks as they adjust to the new conference and the increase in talent in addition to the scholarships?
Josh Newman:   I think the growing pains are evident in Monmouth’s first two Big South games, an 18-12 loss to Presbyterian and a 27-0 loss to Charleston Southern. Those teams were talented, but they were deep at most positions, athletic at the skill spots and big across the lines. The increase in the scholarships is certainly something that Monmouth is growing into as it now has 50 at its disposal with that number set to rise. The staff had 50 for this current freshman class, which they are quite high on for the future, so they need to keep up the recruiting momentum if they hope to get on par with these Big South teams.
FTF:  What lessons did Monmouth learn from their first trip to Lynchburg last year that they can take with them into this year's matchup?
JN: That game at Liberty last year was Monmouth’s first lesson in Big South football. They went to Lynchburg as an independent and saw firsthand what the crowd and atmosphere of a big-time FCS football really looks like and I think it helped to have some sort of knowledge of what they were up against going into this season. Also, and this goes back, to my point in question No. 1, they learned what it’s going to take in terms of personnel to compete at this level. As a whole, they’re not quite there yet and I think everyone within the program realizes that at this time.
FTF:  How have the Hawks rebounded following the two losses to Presbyterian and Charleston Southern after starting the season with 5 wins in 6 games?
JN: To be honest, I’m not sure they have rebounded yet. Monmouth really took it on the chin Saturday against Charleston Southern at home, so it’ll be interesting to see how they respond going into what will obviously be a hostile environment against a Big South power in Liberty. I’m certainly interested to see how they respond after a loss like that as it was easily their worst showing of the season after a very promising 5-1 start against their non-conference schedule.
FTF: What are three keys for the Hawks to come out of Lynchburg with a victory?
JN:   First and foremost, Monmouth absolutely needs to find a way to deal with Josh Woodrum, which is easier said than done. Woodrum is dangerous with his arm as well as his legs, so not an easy matchup for the Hawks, let alone anyone really. No. 2, get the run going. Monmouth’s run game behind sophomore Lavon Chaney had been solid before going stymied the last two weeks against PC and Charleston Southern. It’s been my contention that the run game needs to get going because you don’t want to have to put everything on QB Brandon Hill’s shoulders. Hill has had a fine season, but it’s just not ideal to do that. Third, and this is probably cliché, but overcome Williams Stadium. That is one of the great atmosphere in FCS, so overcome the initial wave that that crowd will bring and settle into the game. If Liberty jumps out early and that crowd is engaged, it could be a long day.
FTF: What is the matchup you are most looking forward to seeing on Saturday afternoon?
JN: The matchup I’m looking at is Woodrum vs. the Monmouth secondary. That Hawks unit came into the season young and inexperienced and while there have been hiccups, guys like SS Mike Basile, a Jerry Rice Award candidate, and freshman CB Marcus Leslie have come along well and the future is bright for the younger guys in that defensive backfield. Woodrum, as I indicated, is special at this level, so I’d like to see how bad he picks on some of the guys. 

Thanks again to Josh for taking a few minutes to talk ahead of the matchup tomorrow. The game can be seen at 3:30 on the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network as part of the American Sports Network Big South football package. Evan Lepler will be on the call for this one.

 

Fan the Flames Preview: Monmouth

The Liberty Flames extinguished the hopes of the Presbyterian Blue Hose with a 28-7 win down in Clinton in what can only be described as some of the most backwards weather I have seen in recent memory (even though I did not make the trip to South Carolina).

There is no rest for the weary as the Flames continue their run through the Big South to conclude the season:

Monmouth (5-3, 0-2 Big South)

vs. 

Liberty (6-3, 2-0 Big South)

In an unusual turn, the Monmouth Hawks make a second consecutive trip to Lynchburg, their first as a member of the Big South Conference. The Hawks came to Lynchburg last year as an FCS Independent program after making the decision to go full scholarship, and depart their longtime home for the past 18 years, the Northeast Conference. Liberty jumped out to a 31-6 lead and cruised to a 45-15 win. Darrin Peterson electrified the crowd with an 85 yard touchdown reception, one of two on the night, and Josh Woodrum threw for 237 yards.

UMass transfer Brandon Hill threw for 97 yards and a TD for Monmouth, but the Flames picked him off three times, including a pick six by Kevin Fogg.

Matchup:

Location: Arthur L. Williams Stadium, Lynchburg, VA

Series: 2nd Meeting (Liberty leads 1-0)

Last Meeting: 45-15 LU (09/07/2013)

Kickoff:; 3:30 PM

Radio: Victory FM Radio Network (Liberty) Alan York play-by-play, Shore Sports Network (Monmouth) Matt Harmon play-by-play

Television: American Sports Network (National) Evan Lepler play-by-play

Coaches: Turner Gill (3rd Season at Liberty, 20-12 Record), Kevin Callahan (22nd Season at Monmouth, 125-100 Record)
Last Week: Liberty W 28-7 vs. Presbyterian Monmouth L 0-27 vs. Charleston Southern.


Monmouth was one of the hottest teams on the East Coast, winning 5 of their first 6 games, breaking the 50 point barrier three times, including a 61 point outburst against Columbia from the Ivy League. The Hawks were under consideration for a national ranking, but then the wheels fell off with back to back losses to Presbyterian and Charleston Southern, scoring a total of 12 points in both games.

Prediction
The key for Monmouth, in my opinion, is to do something that very few teams have done on the year, and that is slow down the passing game for Liberty. With one of the top WRs in the nation in Darrin Peterson, and the #8 QB in all of FCS in passing yardage in Josh Woodrum, that is a very tall order. The Hawks defense, has allowed 200 or more yards passing 5 times in their first 8 games, while Josh Woodrum has thrown for 300 or more yards 4 times, and 200 or more yards 7 times in 9 games.

The Hawks can score, but I think the Flames defense keeps the high flying Hawks grounded and the Flames go into their final two games on a bigtime winning streak

Liberty 38
Monmouth 17

Fan the Flames Sidelight: 2014 Big South Race

Everyone has played at least 1 conference game in the Big South and here is where we stand:

Charleston Southern 5-3 (0-2)

The Bucs have taken a 180 degree turn in the wrong direction after starting the season with 5 straight wins, including one over the other FCS college in the Charleston, The Citadel. A 1 point loss to Vanderbilt from the SEC, was thought to be a confidence springboard for the team, but they went out and scored exactly three points in a loss to Presbyterian (more on them later) and then a 21 point loss to in-state rival Coastal Carolina.

Before teh season, a lot of people were not too high on the strength of the Bucs' schedule, including this writer. That lack of confidence seems to have born itseelf out as CSU is now out of the running for the Big South title, and if they don't get the ship righted soon, could find themselves on a one way ticket to the bottom of the conference! This weekend will be a good chance to get some confidence back against a Monmouth squad that is coming off their own loss to the Blue Hose last week

Coastal Carolina 8-0 (2-0)

The Chants just keep winning. In their last 22 games against FCS competition, CCU has won 19 of them. They have not won pretty many weeks, but the important thing is they have more points on the scoreboard at the end. The way things are going, as long as Coastal takes care of business, they are on a collision course with Liberty (more on them later) for the Big South title on the Grand Strand

Gardner-Webb 4-4 (0-1)

The Runnin Bulldogs have been somewhat bipolar in their play this year, losing three of five games (with wins over Wofford and Virginia University of Lynchburg), then winning back to back games over UNC CHarlotte (transitioning to FBS Conference USA in 2015) and former conference mate VMI before being shut down completely in a shutout loss in Lynchburg to Liberty.

The Bulldogs looked like they were in the race for third behind the Flames and the Chanticleer, but they will need to get the offense figured out before they start their final 3 games with a trip to North Charleston for a breakfast matchup with the Bucs.

Liberty 5-3 (1-0)

THe Flames had probably the two most diametrically opposed weeks in the conference, losing a gut-wrenching double overtime game with Richmond, which possibly doomed their at-large prospects, and then winning a good old fashioned shootout down in Boone over first year FBS program Appalachian State, who turned around and smashed Troy the next week. With the surprise strength of the Big South and the overall results of the non-conference opponents, the FLames, if they keep winning, could find themselves playing on Thanksgiving weekend for the first time ever regardless of the outcome, but the attitude on the mountain is just two words...NO SHARING...and they continue that quest with a win down in CLinton against our next and most surprising team this season...

PResbyterian 5-3 (1-1)

The Blue Hose, as I noted in my preview post yesterday, have exceeded expectations, winning more games this season than in the last two seasons COMBINED, including wins over a pair of Southern Conference squads in Furman and a resurgent Western Carolina. With a loss to Coastal, though, this weekend is a major test for PC to see if they can take a step they have never taken before, into Big South contention. A win probably cements them into second behind CCU, but a loss not only ends their hopes for the Championship, but also confirms that they are not quite ready to claim their place as the third team in the Big South

Monmouth 5-2 (0-1)

The Hawks, in their first year in the Big South, have also had scheduling questions, but they did win five of their first six games, with only a loss to former conference mate in the Northeast Duquesne, leading the conference in scoring, before scoring only 12 in a loss to Presbyterian down in Clinton.

MU does have a chance to play spoiler in the race between Liberty and Coastal (facing both in back to back weeks), after hosting the reeling Buccaneers in West Long Branch this Saturday.

Fan the Flames Preview: Presbyterian

After energizing the home fans with a 34-0 shutout against Gardner-Webb, the Liberty Flames go back on the road for a game that takes on a lot more importance than when it was first scheduled...

 Liberty (5-3, 1-0 Big South)

 vs.

Presbyterian (5-3, 2-1 Big South)

The Liberty Flames continue their five game run through the Big SOuth to close the season, heading down to Clinton, SC to face off with the Blue Hose, who have surged in 2014, after winning a grand total of 8 games in the last 3 seasons, including back to back 2 win seasons in 2012 and 2013.

The Blue Hose are carried by the defense, which has allowed 50 total points in 5 victories, good for 10 points per game, including 12 points to the top offense in the Big South, Monmouth in a win last week. THey have improved in every defensive category and the results have shown, with wins over Furman and Western Carolina from the Southern Conference in addition to a win over Charleston Southern.

This game is about strength vs. strength. Liberty enters the game as the second highest scoring offense in the Big South, averaging 36.1 points per game, including 3 50 point games (including the win over App State before the bye week). The Flames have a lot more firepower than any FCS school on PC's schedule, save Coastal, who beat the Blue Hose 40-28 in Clinton on the strength of 20 points off turnovers.

Matchup:

Location: Bailey Memorial Stadium

Series: 12th Meeting (Liberty leads 7-4)

Last Meeting:35-14 LU 11/09/2013

Kickoff:; 2:00 PM

Radio: Victory FM Radio Network (Liberty) Alan York play-by-play, Blue Hose Sports Network (Presbyterian) Eric Thacker play-by-play

Television: ESPN3 (National) Mike Hogewood play-by-play, Liberty Flames Sports Network (Liberty) Mike Tilley play-by-play

Coaches: Turner Gill (3rd Season at Liberty, 19-12 Record), Harold Nichols (6th Season at Presbyterian, 14-47 Record)
Last Week: Liberty W 34-0. Presbyterian 18-12 vs. Monmouth.

Presbyterian, which this writer picked to win just one game in 2014 before the season, has exceeded a LOT of expectations, and is contending heading into November for the first time since joining the Big South. The one thing that has been a drawback, has been the offense. The Blue Hose have passed the 20 point plateau a grand total of twice the entire season, one of them a 69-14 win over D2 Bluefield College. Liberty has passed 20 points in 6 of 8 games this season including a season high (against D1 competition) 55 points in the win down in Boone. Josh Woodrum has rocketed up the all-time passing list at Liberty, needing only 349 yards to become the 4th QB to pass for 7,000 yards (as a side note, the redshirt junior averaged 251 yards passing the last three games and has passed 300 yards 4 times this season). Darrin Peterson, despite a very quiet outing against Gardner-Webb, is still the leading receiver for the Flames, needing 209 yards to break 1,000 yards through the season and 290 yards to break the single season passing yards record set by Chris Summers in 2010.

DJ Abnar is coming off a workhorse performance last week, finishing with 137 yards on 27 carries, just two weeks after logging 29 carries. The junior did injure his foot in the win last week, but showed no ill effects this week and will probably start once again for the Flames. The Blue Hose are not as assured at the tailback position, as starter (and senior) DeMarcus Rouse injured his shoulder last week and his status has been questionable all week. Sophomore QB Heys McMath comes into this matchup averaging 143 passing yards, so if Rouse cannot play, he will likely have to carry the offense

Prediction

This game could be a season and program-defining game for the Blue Hose, who are about three seasons ahead of schedule (minimum) as far as competing for the Big South title. Liberty comes into this game knowing that they need to keep winning to help their chances of getting an at-large berth for the FCS playoffs should they lose to Coastal in the finale. PC has crushed Liberty's playoff hopes before, knocking off the Flames 31-28 in Clinton (on November 1 of all dates) in 2008. While there aren't many players who were there for that game, the sting of that loss  is something that this year's squad is very familiar with, along with the fact that PC is much more successful, they will not overlook the Blue Hose and will use their significant offensive advantage to get another win down in SC

Liberty 34
Presbyterian 17

Tomorrow I will have a look at the Big South and a few words about Flames basketball.

Fan the Flames Review- Gardner-Webb

The Liberty Flames showed no loss of momentum following the bye week as they scored on three of the first 4 possessions and cruised to a 34-0 victory over the Gardner-Webb Runnin Bulldogs in Lynchburg.

The Runnin Bulldogs were stuck in neutral against the Flames defense, finishing with only 56 total yards of offense, after spending the entire first half in the negative. The defense sacked GWU quarterback Lucas Beatty 5 times and held him to only73 passing yards, the week after he set a Big South record 430 in a win over former Big South member VMI.

The star of the game for the offense was DJ Abnar, who finished with 137 yards rushing before leaving the game with a minor ankle injury. Abnar became the first running back since former Flames RB (and current New York Giants RB) Rashad Jennings, who had a run of 10 in a row from 2007-2008.

On the defense, the story was the line,  led by Chima Uzowihe, who ffinished  with 2.5 sacks, moving into the top 5 all time in sacks, passing Troy Rice.

Inside the Numbers

Here are some numbers from this weekend:

7:  Josh Woodrum cleared 200 yards passing for the 7th time in 8 games this season, the only time he did not finish with at least 200 yards was the opener against UNC
THe victory was also the 7th time in 8 years where Liberty won the conference opener. The last loss in the first conference game came in 2006...the opponent? Gardner-Webb
3: Last week was the third time all season where Woodrum and Darrin Peterson did not connect for a TD.
2: Despite not finishing with a TD catch on the day, Dante Shells finished with 2 catches for 106 yards, good for a 53 ypr average.

Will come back with a preview of a key Big South matchup against Presbyterian tomorrow.

Some Gardner-Webb Perspective on the Game

Its been a while since we had a chance to get some perspective from the opposing side during game week, but we are back and had a chance this week talk to the beat writer for Gardner-Webb, Alan Ford, sports editor at the Shelby Star, and get some perspective on what has become a bit of a tradition for Liberty and the Runnin Bulldogs, opening Big South play against each other:

Fan the Flames: What has been the general sentiment among Runnin’ Bulldogs fans this season with GWU getting a win over Wofford but losses to Furman and The Citadel in the non-conference as they head into Big South play?

Alan Ford: Gardner-Webb fans don’t really know what to think about the current team. The VMI win last week, following the victory over Charlotte, has them feeling a lot better about the way things are going.

Most of the fans understand how injuries riddled this team early on – both returning all-star candidates at inside linebacker (Tanner Burch & Chad Geter) were lost for the season (Burch never played a down) and also there have been a number of offensive line issues. The lack of depth at running back has been a problem as well at times and it was actually a pleasant surprise they were able to have such a big offensive day last week with Juanne Blount out of action.

FTF: Lucas Beatty asserted himself as the starter last year, how has he been with the younger QBs as he wraps up his final season in Boiling Springs?

AF: It was probably a bit frustrating for the GWU senior early on this season when the offensive line was having a tough time protecting him (double digit sacks vs. The Citadel). GWU would bring in freshman Tyrell Maxwell, who was more of a running threat, at certain times in those games.

The big key was getting wideout Kenny Cook back in the lineup after his injury in the opener at Furman. That has made Beatty’s numbers go up dramatically. They are still using Maxwell for a series here or there but only as a change of pace.

FTF:  About this weekend, the Runnin Bulldogs have not won in Lynchburg since 2006, including giving up a big lead on their last trip into Williams Stadium in 2012. How have the players, particularly the ones who were part of that team in 2012, handled dealing with that much history working against GWU over the years?

AF: Truthfully, I don’t know how much the history means, if anything at all, to the GWU players. That’s not putting down Liberty’s obvious success in the matchup. Everyone in the Big South knows how difficult it is to go to Lynchburg to face the Flames.

But since that last visit in 2012, Gardner-Webb has gone through a coaching change and it’s a completely different mindset the past two years under Coach McCray. I actually think the coaching staff is trying to make the current group of players more aware of what the history of the series is, and how important this contest is in terms of the conference.

FTF: What is the key both offensively and defensively for the Bulldogs in order to come out with that victory on Saturday?

AF: GWU can’t allow Liberty’s offensive line to just pound away up front, then when the ‘Dogs are forced to adjust, give up a big play in the passing game. Gardner-Webb just has to plug up the gaps on first-down running plays and put the Flames behind the chains a bit so Liberty can’t just roll up so many first downs and wear them down as the day goes along.

Offensively, GWU needs to be able to run the football enough to set up its play-action passes to Cook, plus the two tight ends (Mike Estes and Seth Cranfill) they often have on the field together.

FTF: What do you think will be the matchup we need to keep an eye on on Saturday?

AF: I think it will be how Liberty handles those two tight ends in passing situations. Cook will receive an awful lot of attention from the defense, maybe even double-teaming him on key possession downs. The ’Dogs have been able to work around that in recent games because Beatty has had the time to locate those tight ends, each of whom has good hands, and distribute the football accordingly.

Fan the Flames Football Forecast: Gardner-Webb

After a much needed bye week, the Liberty FLames, after their first win over an FBS program since 2010, enter into the final sprint of the season as they open Big South play against a familiar first opponent...

 Gardner-Webb (4-3, 0-0)

vs. 

Liberty (4-3, 0-0)

This is the third time in four years that the Flames have  opened the lid on conference play against the boys from Boiling Springs. The last time the two teams met in Lynchburg, it was homecoming 2012. The Runnin Bulldogs did just that, sprinting to a 28-10 lead, before the Flames scored 32 of the last 39 points, capped off by a 5 yard TD pass from Josh Woodrum to Brandon Apon late in the 4th quarter to give (at the time) first year head coach Turner Gill his first victory as Liberty head coach. Woodrum finished with his second 300 yard game in three outings that day, and after starting the year 0-4, that win catapulted Liberty to 6 wins in their final 7 games on the way to their 7th consecutive winning season.

Both teams come in on a high, Liberty off the aforementioned win over the MOuntaineers, and Gardner-Webb winners of 4 of their last 5 games,including a win over Virginia University of Lynchburg (from the USCAA last I checked), as well as their second win over a SoCon squad in former Big South member VMI in Lexington last week.

With the improved play from the Big South, these next 5 games have an even greater importance, since this probably will be the Flames only chance at making the FCS playoffs this year. All six squads come in above the .500 mark after non-conference play, as well as three squads having already opened conference play in Coastal Carolina, Presbyterian (next week's opponent) and Charleston Southern.

Matchup:

Location: Williams Stadium, Lynchburg, VA

Series: 20th Meeting (Liberty leads 11-8-1)

Last Meeting:24-0 LU 10/26/2013

Kickoff:; 3:30 PM

Radio: Victory FM Radio Network (Liberty) Alan York play-by-play, Runnin Bulldogs Radio Network (Gardner-Webb) Fabian Fuentes play-by-play

Television: ESPN3 (National) Mike Hogewood play-by-play, Liberty Flames Sports Network (Liberty) Mike Tilley play-by-play

Coaches: Turner Gill (3rd Season at Liberty, 17-12 Record), Carroll McCray (2nd  Season at Gardner-Webb, 11-8 Record)
Last Week: Liberty BYE. Gardner-Webb 47-41 2OT vs. VMI

 The boys from Boiling Springs come in on a hot streak, winners of 4 of 5, the only blemish being a 37-14 loss to The Citadel down in Charleston. Redshirt senior QB Lucas Beatty had a career day, finishing with 430 yards, narrowly missing the single game passing yardage record by 57 yards. The running game is somewhat questionable with the status of starting tailback Juanne Blount uncertain according to Liberty beat writer Chris Lang on his blog. If Blount can't go, fellow senior JJ Hubbard (who served as the Wildcat QB against Liberty in 2012) will probably have to answer the call, along with freshmen Khalil Lewis and Kerry Bernard.

Prediction

Liberty has not lost to a team outside of Coastal Carolina at home since 2006, and outside of the comeback win in 2012 and a loss to GWU in Danny Rocco's first season at the helm, the games have not been close. the two prior trips to Liberty Mountain saw GWU outscored 70-24, including a 40-14 pasting in 2010. If Liberty comes out fast against the Bulldogs, the Flames defense should be able to put a muzzle on Lucas Beatty and the offense and come away with a two or three score victory

Liberty 31
Gardner-Webb 14

Thursday or Friday I will have my interview with Alan Ford, GWU beat writer from the Shelby Star so keep a lookout for it.

Fan the Flames Review: Appalachian State

Liberty bounced back from a tough double OT loss at home last week to score the last two touchdowns in a high scoring affair down in Boone and pick up the program's third win ever over a Division I-A/FBS opponent 55-48 in OT.



Josh Woodrum bounced back in a big way after having his string of 300 yard passing games snapped last week, finishing with 356 yards and 3 TDs through the air and the tying TD in the fourth quarter on the ground. DJ Abnar, after a tough first half, finished with 129 yards rushing and one of the most vicious hits I have seen from a Flames running back since I started following Liberty football in 2002 (Seen at 5:22 of this video, credit to the Liberty Flames Athletics Youtube page):

















The pass defense was again torched, as freshman taylor Lamb threw for 397 yards and consistently beat the young Flames DBs deep after Liberty tried to prevent the quick passing game that had plagued them the last two games. Tyrin Holloway did have an interception and Jacob Hagen was...well...Jacob Hagen, forcing a fumble and snagging the game clinching pick in overtime.

Special teams...was special again as Dakota Kelly muffed a punt for one Mountainner TD and John Lunsford whiffed on an onside kick attempt to open the game and ASU scored on the very first play from scrimmage. Lunsford did atone somewhat, nailing two field goals  while missing another 57 yarder weeks after nailing one against Bryant.

This was an important win for the Flames, though. With this being the last game before the bye week, Liberty could ill afford to go into it on a three game skid, but the boys from Lynchburg made the one play that mattered, something that was missing from last week's game, and now they prepare for the final run as the Gardner-Webb Runnin Bulldogs to open Big South Conference play for the 4th time since 2006 and third time in 4 seasons.


Inside the Numbers

Here are some interesting numbers from this past week

103- the two teams combined for 103 points, the second consecutive season that Liberty has been in a game where both teams did that (Liberty and CCU combined for 107 last season, also an overtime game, 2 overtimes to be precise)
4- Josh Woodrum tossed his 4th 300 yard passing game of the season, and in the process moved to 4th all time in career passing yards, passing former Flames standout Antwan Chiles
7- With his 356 yards, Woodrum tied Phil Basso for second all time in 300 yard passing games with 7, and moved within striking distance of the all time record of 11 set by Robby Justino.
14- DJ Abnar became the 14th different Flames running back to post consecutive 100-yard rushing games and the first since Aldreakis Allen in 2011.
48- Liberty scored an offensive TD for the 48th consecutive game, a streak dating back to the 2010 season (when Liberty lost 10-3 to JMU, also the last time the Flames failed to reach double figures in points).

With the bye week coming this week, I will post my midseason report card on Friday, and hopefully get a midseason review from Flames beat writer Chris Lang as well as my midseason MVPs for both offense and defense.

Fan the Flames Football Forecast: Appalachian State

The Liberty Flames came up just short against Danny Rocco and the Richmond Spiders, falling 46-39 in double overtime, despite an outstanding game from Darrin Peterson (who currently leads the nation in receiving yards at the FCS level) and a school record 60 yard field goal from John Lunsford as time expired in regulation. Josh Woodrum had a solid game, finishing with 193 yards passing and a career high 98 yards rushing and 5 total TDs, although his streak of 300 yard games came to an end.

Not much time to lick the wounds this week as the Flames play their second FBS opponent:

 Appalachian State (1-4, 0-2 Sun Belt)

 vs.

Liberty (3-3, 0-0 Big South)

This is the last non-conference game of the season for the Flames, and with the loss to Richmond, and the struggles of the Mountaineers in their first season at the FBS level, this game lost a lot of its luster, but, with the bye week coming up, this is a chance to get some positive momentum before opening conference play against Gardner-Webb in two weeks

Matchup:

Location: Kidd-Brewer Stadium, Boone, NC

Series: Tenth Meeting (ASU leads 7-2)

Last Meeting: 29-22 ASU 09/21/2002

Kickoff:; 3:30 PM

Radio: Victory FM Radio Network (Liberty) Alan York play-by-play, Appalachian Sports Network/IMG College, David Jackson play-by-play

Television: ESPN3 (Announcers TBA)

Coaches: Turner Gill (3rd Season at Liberty, 16-12 Record), Scott Satterfield (2nd Season at Appalachian State, 5-12 Record)
Last Week: Liberty 39-46 2OT vs. Richmond. Appalachian State 21-47 vs. South Alabama

The Mountaineers have fallen on hard times since their threepeat from 2005-2007 as NCAA I-AA/FCS national champions. After the departure of legendary head coach Jerry Moore following the 2012 season, Satterfield, who returned that year to be the offensive coordinator and assistant head coach, was hired. Expectations were very high in Boone for a team that had won or shared the Southern Conference title 7 of the past 8 years before receiving an invitation to the FBS Sun Belt Conference in 2013. ASU struggled to a 4-8 record in a transitional year, and now come into their homecoming weekend losers of four of their first five games (the lone win coming against Campbell in week 2).

Liberty comes in losers of back to back games, the most recent a heartbreaker in front of a record homecoming crowd in Lynchburg. While it won't have as much play as it could have as far as an at-large berth is concerned, this is still an important game for the Flames. With the bye week coming next week as noted at the top of this week's post, Liberty doesn't want to go into the downtime on a three game losing streak. As Jon Manson noted on the Liberty Flames Nation blog, going into the bye on a three game downer could really kill this team's confidence, while a win (especially over an FBS) could give them a much needed boost, especially against one of the teams that was picked over the Flames when the Sun Belt looked to expand.

Prediction:

Liberty needs this game as much if not more than App State does (which still isn't much after the Richmond loss), and with the Flames ability to be competitive against FBS schools, that keeps them in this one, but if the front 7 can't get any legitimate pressure and the DBs make plays instead of giving a ton of space as they have the last couple weeks, the Flames will be headed back to Lynchburg with their 8th straight defeat in this series. I am picking ASU in a close one as I did before the season, but I would not be surprised if the Flames get a victory

Liberty 24
Appalachian State 28

Fan the Flames Review: Richmond

It was an electric atmosphere at Williams Stadium in Lynchburg as the Liberty Flames took the field for their annual Homecoming football game against the RIchmond Spiders. Josh Woodrum had another outstanding game, and though his streak of 300 yard passing games game to an end, he finished with 5 total TDs and John Lunsford set a new school record with a 60 yard field goal as time expired before the Flames fell in double overtime 46-39.

Here is the video of Lunsford's record breaking kick courtesy  of the Liberty Flames Sports Network Youtube page:

Lunsford's kick, the second time in three games where the junior has broken the school record for longest field goal, made #4 on Sportscenter's Top 10, the first time that Liberty football has made an appearance in the nightly countdown

Inside the Numbers

Here are a few numbers of note from the game last week:

20,838- The Richmond game was seen by a record 20,838 fans at Williams Stadium, the first time ever that 20,000 people were gathered outside of graduation. The previous record was 19,314 in 2010 against Savannah State

0- Liberty failed to convert a third down going 0/10, the first time the Flames failed to convert on third down since 2002

4- Darrin Peterson garnered his fourth straight 100+ yard receiving game, becoming the first since I believe Pat Nelson to accomplish that feat

6- The aforementioned field goal by Lunsford ranks as the 6th longest field goal in NCAA history at the I-AA/FCS level
14- Josh Woodrum and Darrin Peterson have connected 14 times including three more this past Saturday

I'll have a preview of the final non-conference game for the Flames against newly minted FBS member Appalachian State tomorrow

Fan the Flames Review: Indiana State

The Liberty Flames went to Terre Haute, Indiana and spun their tires in the home of the world famous Action Track, falling to the Indiana State Sycamores for the second time, 38-19

Josh Woodrum finished with 308 yards through the air, his third straight game with 300+yards,  although most of it came with the outcome of the game largely decided. He also threw two very costly interceptions, part of a 4 turnover day for the offense.

The other unfortunate outcome of the game was a rash of injuries, as backup running back Todd Macon, linebackers Jimmy O'Grady and Nick Sigmon, and third string running back Joshua Smith all are out this week, with Smith out for the remainder of the season.

Inside the numbers

Here are some interesting numbers from last week's matchup:

6- Despite the loss, Josh Woodrum finished with his third straight 300 yard passing game, and his 6th of his career, passing Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Mike Brown and former Flame Biff Parson. With his next game, the Cave Spring product will tie Phil Basso for second all time in 300 yard passing games, 4 behind all time leader (and 2013 Liberty Hall of Fame inductee) Robby Justino, who finished with 11 career 300 yard games.
11- With an 8 yard connection in the 4th quarter, Josh Woodrum and Darrin Peterson connected for the 11th time as a QB/WR connection. Hopefully in a future post I will be able to go over the all-time list for touchdown connections between
2- With a 300 yard performance against Richmond, Woodrum will become only the second player ever to pass for 300 yards or more in 4 consecutive games, joining Justino, but would be the first to do it in a single season
With two touchdown passes, Woodrum would also tie former Flames signal caller Antwan Chiles for 5th on the all-time career list for touchdown passes

Will have a preview of the Richmond game up tomorrow night and Friday I hope to have my interview with college sports writer John O'Connor from the Richmond Times-Dispatch

Fan the Flames Football Forecast: Indiana State

The Liberty Flames started fast for the second consecutive week and defeated #25 Bryant 38-21 in Williams Stadium last Saturday night. The Flames head back on the road for a bigtime non-conference test:

Indiana State (2-1, 0-0)

vs. 

#22/23 Liberty

Matchup

Location: Memorial Stadium, Terre Haute, IN

Series: Second Meeting

Last Meeting: 34-10 ISU 9/28/1996

Kickoff:; 3:00 PM

Radio: Victory FM Radio Network (Liberty) Alan York play-by-play)

Television: Liberty Flames Sports Network/ESPN3 (Liberty) Mike Tilley play-by-play

Coaches: Turner Gill (3rd Season at Liberty, 16-10 Record), Mike Sanford (2nd Season at Indiana State, 3-12 Record)
Last Week: 38-21 vs. #25 Bryant. Indiana State BYE

Liberty plays a team from the current top conference in all of FCS football, the Missouri Valley Football Conference, for the first time since 2008, when they take the field against the Sycamores. Indiana State came into the 2014 season following a 1-11 record, finishing 2013 with 9 straight losses, and the loss of their top RB in Shakir Bell among many last year. The Sycamores are off to a good start in 2014, defeating Ball State from the Mid-American Conference two weeks ago, and giving Indiana from the Big Ten all they could ask for in their opener.

The guy who makes it go in Terre Haute is Mike Perish, a transfer from Western Michigan. Perish passed for over 1600 yards and 10 TDs on the way to being named MVFC Newcomer of the Year. After suffering an injury against North Dakota State, the senior has thrown for 300+ yards in back to back games, much like Liberty signal caller Josh Woodrum.

Another transfer leads the way in the running game in fellow classmate Buck Logan. the tailback came to Terre Haute from Sacramento City College, finished with 609 yards and a single TD in 2013. This year, while splitting time with LeMonte Booker, Logan has steadily improved his numbers over the last few weeks, although the majority of the offense has come from the passing game.

Prediction:

Much like last week against Bryant, at first blush this seemed like a pretty one-sided game when the schedule was announced earlier this year. The MVFC is the top conference in the FCS as I mentioned at the top, so even a team like the Sycamores would present a challenge for the Flames on both sides of the ball. If Liberty can get off to another fast start like they have the last two weeks, that will help the confidence as the afternoon wears on. The Sycamores have proven to be turnover machines this year as they have forced 5 turnovers in the first three games, including 3 fumble recoveries against Tennessee Tech, so holding onto the ball will be a key for the Flames, who have not had a turnover in ths last 3 games.

The last time Liberty played an MVFC team, it was a last second field goal that won the day. I don't think it will come down to the bitter end like against Youngstown State, but I do think the Flames build on last week's victory and get another road victory

Liberty 33
Indiana State 30

Fan the Flames Football Review: Bryant

The Liberty Flames made a statement last Saturday night as they jumped out to a 24-0 lead on the way to a 38-21 win over the #25 Bryant Bulldogs, their first win over a ranked non-conference opponent at home since 2008 when the Flames defeated Elon (ranked #14/12 at the time) in the season finale.

Josh Woodrum had his second straight 300+ yard passing game, and even had a pair of touchdown runs, including a career long 30 yard run in the second half.

Darrin "Petey" Peterson finished with 100+ yards for the second straight game (110 to be precise) but finished without a TD catch for the third time this season.

DJ Abnar and Todd Macon had a solid game, while Abnar missed out on another 100 yard game courtesy of a long run being negated by a penalty.

The story of the game though was the issues with the special teams. Jon Lunsford, making his second attempt of the season, barely knocked in a school record 57 yard field goal, banking it in off the left upright, but then missing a more routine kick from 35 yards out. Trey Turner mishandled a snap giving Bryant a short field for one TD, and Zac Parker, who had an electrifying touchdown against Brevard on a jet sweep, fumbled a punt out of bounds and misplayed a kickoff, which led to Alpha Jalloh fielding the opening kick of the second half.

Inside the Numbers

Here are a few numbers coming out of the game last week:

18:12- Coming into the game, Bryant had allowed an average of 10.7 points per game. It took Liberty 18 minutes and 12 seconds of game time to pass that average on a 3 yard DJ Abnar TD run
9- Liberty finished the game with 9 penalties for 79 yards. Coming into the game, Liberty averaged just over 4 penalties.
5- Josh Woodrum has 5 career rushing TDs after scoring twice on option looks.He finished with 21 TDs on the ground at Cave Spring High School
106- The 106 yards by Dalton Easton was more than the Flames had allowed through the air in the previous two games...combined.

Next up for the Flames is a key test against Indiana State of the Missouri Valley on Saturday at 3 PM.

Fan the Flames Football Forecast: Bryant

The Liberty Flames started fast in their final (scheduled) game against a Division II opponent, scoring the first 21 points on the way to a 56-31 victory over Brevard College in the 25th home opener at Williams Stadium. Now to look ahead to a game that has a much higher degree of importance than when it was first scheduled...

#25 Bryant University (3-0, 0-0)

vs.

#24 Liberty University (2-1, 0-0)

Matchup

Location: Arthur L. Williams Stadium, Lynchburg VA

Series: First Meeting

Last Meeting:First Meeting

Kickoff:; 7:00 PM

Radio: Victory FM Radio Network (Liberty) Alan York play-by-play),WOON 1240 AM Bryant Bulldogs Radio Network (Bryant)

Television: Liberty Flames Sports Network/ESPN3 (Liberty) Mike Tilley play-by-play

Coaches: Turner Gill (3rd Season at Liberty, 16-10 Record), Marty Fine (11th Season at Bryant, 65-46 Record)
Last Week: Liberty 56-31 vs. Brevard. Bryant 16-10 vs. #20 Maine

This is the 4th time in 5 years that Liberty has faced a team from the Northeast Conference (2010- St Francis at Lynchburg City Stadium, 2011- Robert Morris, 2013-Monmouth, although they were an FCS independent at the time).

The Bulldogs come in with a world of momentum, coming off an upset win over Maine, their second win over a team from the CAA following a win over former Big South member Stony Brook (who interestingly enough, was ALSO a member of the Northeast Conference before joining the Big South in 2008).

Bryant has lived and died on its stout defense. In 3 games (2 D1 and D2 Merrimack), the Bulldogs have allowed, in order: 7, 14, and 10 points. Liberty, by contrast, has allowed: 59, 0, and 31 points, but has scored 26, 17 and 56 points (the 56 coming in last week's win over D2 Brevard). The Bulldogs are facing a very explosive Liberty offense with a lot of playmakers, and in an enviroment probably more hostile than any they have ever played in.

Liberty had what some would consider a lackluster defensive performance against the Tornados, but a stellar offensive performance, topping the 600 yard mark for the first time since the double overtime loss to Coastal Carolina at home last year.

Defensive coordinator Robert Wimberly, in his postgame comments, did not want to change the calls and terminology for what likely will be the only triple option team the Flames face all year.

 Junior RB DJ Abnar had a career high 161 yards and 2 TDs, Darrin Peterson narrowly missed getting a 200 yard game, but scored from 80+ yards out in the home opener for the second consecutive year, thanks to an electrifying 86 yard TD catch in the 4th quarter. Josh Woodrum finished with the most yards in a game since his 382 yards also against Coastal Carolina last season.


Prediction

Bryant comes into Lynchburg with a stout defense, probably second to Norfolk State as far as FCS defenses go on the schedule this year. For Liberty to win this game, they need to do the same thing they did against Brevard last week: start fast. If the Flames can get off to a 21-0 lead like they did last week, they can break the will of the Bulldogs and probably cruise from there. If the game stays in the teens and Bryant can keep the margin to a touchdown or less, the Flames might tighten up despite being in front of the home crowd and give them a chance to pull the upset. I like Liberty to win here, but when I did my game by game predictions for this game, I had Liberty winning 41-17. While I now don't think this one will be that one sided, I do still think the Flames pull away late and get another home victory, their first against a ranked non-conference opponent

Liberty 30
Bryant 17

Fan the Flames Review: Brevard

The Liberty Flames won their fourth straight home game on Saturday night 56-31 over the Brevard Tornados, the 11th win in the last 12 home openers. Liberty has not lost to a lower division opponent in 11 years, something we will touch on again later.

Josh Woodrum finished with 327 yards and 4 TDs, his 9th game with multiple TD passes.

DJ Abnar had a breakout game with 161 yards (career high) and 2 TDs.

Darrin Peterson finished with 182 yards, his 5th career 100 yard game, tying with Liberty Athletics Hall of Fame Members Fred Banks and and Kelvin Edwards along with standouts Dominic Bolden and Eric Green (who probably will be in the LU Hall of Fame soon himself, but that is for another post)

Inside the Numbers

Here are a few interesting numbers coming out of last night's win:

0- After finishing with 6 turnovers in their season opening loss to North Carolina, Liberty has not had a single turnover in back to back games

4- Josh Woodrum finished with his 4th career 300 yard passing game, tying for 5th all-time in program history with Antwan Chiles. Four is also the number of TD passes Woodrum had, a career high.

7- With his 327 yards, the junior became the 7th quarterback in program history to throw for 5,000 or more yards

28- The Flames won their 28th consecutive game against a lower division opponent. You have to go all the way back to 1993 to find Liberty's last loss, against Indiana, PA

Also, with his 161 yards against Brevard, DJ Abnar became the 28th player in program history to record multiple 100 yard rushing games in his career

31- The 31 points scored by Brevard is a record most points allowed by Liberty to a lower division opponent. The previous record was 27 by Edinboro all the way back in 1989

Some Liberty Perspective on the Game

Usually in this space I take a few minutes and talk to the beat writer for the upcoming opponent, but with Brevard not having a beat writer,  I thought I would take the space this week and talk to Chris Lang, the Liberty Flames beat writer for the Lynchburg News and Advance. Chris came to Lynchburg after a stint in Arizona covering Northern Arizona and is probably the best beat writer at the FCS level. He actually helped me out in a small way with getting my gig as a freelance writer for the paper.

Fan the Flames: Ive read (both on your blog and on the FlameFans message board) that the Norfolk State game last week was one of, if not the most important of the non-conference games on the schedule (UNC and App State notwithstanding). What does getting a win do for the confidence of the team, especially given the lack of success that the Flames have had in non-conference road games, particularly against in-state schools?

Chris Lang: Well, the in-state thing is a bit overblown, and beating Norfolk State does nothing to prove the Flames can beat the better in-state FCS competition, schools like James Madison, William & Mary and Richmond (Note: this year's homecoming opponent). You've got to remember there were major extenuating circumstances in the two Norfolk State losses. One came two days after Ken Karcher was fired, and the other came at home the same week that Turner Gill was gone for a week mourning the death of his mother. The road win was a much bigger deal for the confidence of the team, because the Flames haven't been able to make plays down the stretch in close road games under Gill. They had chances to beat Kent State, Wake Forest and Old Dominion and shrunk in the fourth quarter in each loss. Saturday, they made a big special teams play (the punt pinning NSU at its 1), got a huge defensive stop and scored a game-clinching touchdown in the fourth quarter. The Norfolk State game wasn't necessarily the most important non-conference game, but it was more important than North Carolina. Liberty needs to sweep its non-conference FCS games to have any shot of an at-large playoff bid, so each of those weeks are like one-week playoff elimination games. Saturday was a good start.

FTF: Earlier today (as I'm writing this email it is Monday), the entire defensive line for Liberty was honored as the defensive player of the week by the Big South. Just how good is this group and can they carry the team going forward?

CL: Vantz Singletary, the defensive line coach, was very candid in his praise for just about every player in that group in the preseason, and he's been proven right so far. Chima Uzowihe has a very good chance at leaving LU as the school's all-time leader in sacks. Niko (Dominique) Davis has been a find in the middle, and JaRon Greene is using the experience he earned as a true freshman to make him a game wrecker at the nose position. There was a lot of talk about losing Francis Bah and Jibrille Fewell, but Fewell was inconsistent at best and Bah was never healthy enough to be a factor last year. The unit is deep and physical and showed its worth by holding its own against UNC in the opener. Definitely a strength of the defense.

FTF: The Flames go into this week's game heavily favored over the D2 Tornadoes. While I won't ask what is the key to victory, I am wondering what sort of things will the coaches want to see from the players in this matchup that will help them going forward, with this being the only non-D1 matchup on the schedule this year?

CL: I'm pretty sure the coaching staff wants to see a fast start with it being the home opener. I know they want to see the run game improve, though it's really tough to judge D.J. Abnar and Todd Macon on the first two games seeing as one was a guarantee game and the other was against one of the top defenses in the FCS. Ideally, they'd love to be able to get an extended look at both Javan Shashaty and Stephon Masha at quarterback, provided the game is in hand by halftime.

FTF: Speaking of schedules, while I know we are only on game 3 of 2014 this week, what is the status of the 2015 schedule? By my count, 10 of the 11 opponents are known (6 BSC games plus Georgia State, West Virginia, Montana and, unless things have changed, JMU). Is there any indication as to who the 11th oppoent is, or at least what conference they are from?

CL: The 11th opponent is likely to be a home game against a lower-level FCS team, probably someone from the MEAC or the Northeast Conference. JMU is still on, as is Montana. With two money games and two games against top-level FCS programs on the schedule, Liberty will be looking for a home breather for the final piece of the schedule.

FTF: Dante Shells had a couple big catches in the win over Norfolk State, including one to set up the first touchdown. With his having to start the season as essentially the 4th WR, what does this do for his confidence after his issues with drops?

CL: It's big. He actually worked his way back to the No. 3 option soon after he was dropped down the depth chart. Josh Woodrum says Dante's biggest issue is that he tends to look upfield for a run lane before he secures the ball. Shells showed increased focus when the ball was thrown his way last week. You've got to remember that he's still a young guy, even though he's been on campus for a few years now. Confidence comes from game experience.

FTF: What is the story with the running backs? Todd Macon goes from Big South Freshman of the Week to getting only three carries, one of which was on the final drive of the game?

CL: I just think Macon might have been physically overmatched against NSU's aggressive defensive front. Plus, (DJ) Abnar is much more of a threat in the short passing game. Macon will be back in a big way this week.

FTF: Last question...with Coastal barely edging out NC A&T a week after a dominating win over The Citadel, is there a chance that the Chanticleers may be a little overrated relative to their ranking in most polls, and is the kind of performance that they had in Greensboro cause for concern down on the Grand Strand?

CL: Not at all. North Carolina A&T is an improving program with a proven coach in Rod Broadway, and Coastal knew that was going to be a tough road trip. The cause for concern comes from having five turnovers in that game. But I think people are underrating just how tough it is to win on the road in college football. A&T beat Appalachian State in Boone last season and was a contender in the MEAC. Had Coastal struggled against Savannah State, I might feel differently.

Thanks to Chris for taking a few minutes, you can follow him on Twitter @ChrisLangLNA and you can read his work in the Lynchburg News and Advance www.newsadvance.com

Friday I will be posting my video preview of Brevard on Youtube so make sure to check it out


Fan the Flames

Fan the Flames Football Forecast: Brevard

The Liberty Flames got back on the winning trackk last Saturday, getting their first road win of teh season in a 17-0 shutout of Norfolk State, the 23rd in program history. Josh Woodrum garnered his 10th game with 200 or more yards, and the Flames offense topped 400 yards for the 4th straight game dating back to last season.

This week the Flames get their first chance to play before the home crowd in Lynchburg, and they welcome a familiar foe to the mountain for the opener...

Brevard (0-1, 0-0)

vs. 

Liberty (1-1, 0-0)

Matchup

Location: Arthur L. Williams Stadium, Lynchburg VA

Series: Second Meeting (Liberty leads 1-0)

Last Meeting: 2013 (Liberty 59-21)

Kickoff:; 7:00 PM

Radio: Victory FM Radio Network (Liberty) Alan York play-by-play), WSQL AM 1240/Brevard Tornadoes Radio Network (Brevard) Rick James play-by-play

Television: Liberty Flames Sports Network/ESPN3 (Liberty) Mike Tilley play-by-play

Coaches: Turner Gill (3rd Season at Liberty, 15-10 Record), Paul Hamilton (8th Season at Brevard, 28-63 Record)

This is the second and final meeting between these two schools, after Brevard paid a visit to Lynchburg in 2013 as Liberty filled in a gap in their schedule brought about by the postponement of the JMU game. Liberty is not planning on scheduling anymore D2 programs so as to bolster their strength of schedule and place themselves in a better position for a berth to the FCS Playoffs. 

Coach Hamilton, the only coach the team has had since the relaunch of the football program in 2007,  took the Tornados to a winning record in 2009, just missing the playoffs thanks to a loss to Carson-Newman.

Prediction:

Liberty will want to make a statement, especially after allowing 253 yards rushing and 21 points last year. This is the home opener for the Flames, and coming off the momentum of their first road win over an in-state opponent in 17 years, Liberty will not want to havea letdown in front of what will be a very large crowd at Williams Stadium. Yesterday I predicted that we could see a record from Liberty in this matchup, but after thinking about it, I think Liberty summarily pounds Brevard, but we may not be rewriting that line in the books, at least not this time around

Liberty 59

Brevard 7

Fan the Flames Review: Norfolk State

Recap
The Liberty Flames made history of sorts on Saturday. Josh Woodrum passed for 208 yards and  TD while the Flames defense pitched the first shutout of the season as Liberty picked up its second ever victory in the city of Norfolk 17-0 over the Norfolk State Spartans.

The day started inauspiciously as Liberty went three plays and out on the first drive of the game, as two DJ Abnar rushes and an incomplete pass led to a punt from Trey Turner. Norfolk State took over on its own 42 and drove down the field with relative ease against the Flames defense, until Jacob Hagen made his presence felt, stripping Aaron Daniels of the ball as he crossed the 10 yard line. Rejuvenated, the offense drove 88 yards, capping the drive with an Avery Echols field goal, his first in a Liberty uniform. That first drive was the closest NSU would get to scoring the rest of the day.

Both teams exchanged punts repeatedly, until NSU freshman QB Terrance Ervin, making his first career start against the team he once committed to, tossed his first interception, as Hagen stepped in front of a pass and returned it into NSU territory. The Flames would cash in two plays later as Josh Woodrum would score his first rushing TD of the season, and first since the 2013 finale against Charleston Southern.

The teams would have some success moving the ball, but largely it remained a punting competition until the 4th quarter, when Woodrum hooked up with DJ Abnar for the first passing TD of the season on a throwback screen.

Neither team ran the ball particularly well, with the Flames finishing with 72 yards on 26 carries (2.8 per rush), while Norfolk State ended the afternoon with 159 yards on 45 carries (3.5 yards per rush). DJ Abnar finished with 38 yards on the ground for Liberty, while Aaron Daniels, despite the fumble, finished with 75 yards to lead Norfolk State. Darrin Peterson finished with 69 yards to go over 1000 receiving yards for his career. The Flames finished with 6 sacks on Ervin while the NSU defense got to Woodrum twice.

Inside the Numbers

Im debuting an interesting sidelight to the blog, and will give some numbers you won't usually find if you look at the boxscores from week to week.
Here are this week's interesting numbers coming out of the game:

9- It has been 9 years since Liberty rushed for fewer than 100 yards in consecutive games. More than likely that run will continue with Brevard coming to Lynchburg next week
1050- Number of receiving yards Darrin Peterson has following his performance on Saturday.
6- The win yesterday ended a 6 game losing streak for Turner Gill away from Williams Stadium. The win also ended a 6 game losing streak against in-state teams not named VMI on the road (Last win: 17-6 vs. Norfolk State in 1997)
10- Josh Woodrum threw for 208 yards, his 10th game with 200+ yards through air.
17- 17 is the fewest points in a Liberty victory since scoring 17 in a win over VMI in 2013 (The record for fewest points in a victory is 9, accomplished 3 times, most recently 1992)
99- The Flames have scored a point in 99 consecutive games dating back to 2005. The last time Liberty failed to score a point was in a 56-0 loss to William and Mary (10/22/2005).
45- Liberty has scored in double figures in 45 consecutive games. The last time Liberty failed to score in double figures was 2010, when the Flames lost to James Madison 10-3 in Harrisonburg.
23- The shutout yesterday was the 23rd in program history, and the first over a non-conference, Division I opponent since a 21-0 win over Western Carolina in 2006, This is the first ever over an in-state non-conference opponent.

We will be back with a preview of the home opener tomorrow.

Fan the Flames

Some NSU Perspective on the Game

As we are two days away from the second game of the season, I thought it would be fun to talk to another beat writer and get some opponent perspective heading into this weekend, so I dropped a line to David Hall, NSU writer for the paper in my hometown, the Virginian-Pilot. 

Fan the Flames: How did the team feel following the performance against Maine last Saturday? (a 10-6 Spartans loss)

David Hall: I think they walked away mostly encouraged, despite the lack of offense. Maine is a top-25 FCS team, which bodes well for how the Spartans might stack up against the MEAC. Plus, it was a tough trip. The team flew into Portland, Maine, early Friday, bussed 2 1/2 hours to Orono for a workout and then returned for the game Saturday night. I can tell you firsthand: Maine is far.

FTF: Quarterback has been a question mark since the spring. Did any of the three QBs (Malik Stokes, Omari-Ali Timmons, Terrance Ervin) show any sign of taking a lead in that competition?

DH: NSU coach Pete Adrian was especially impressed with Ervin, who debuted late in the fourth quarter with the game on the line and almost pulled it out. Although Adrian won’t name a starter this week, it wouldn’t surprise me to see Ervin take the field. Meanwhile, let’s not forget about junior left-hander Tyler Clark, who was named the starter after spring ball but couldn’t recover from a hamstring injury in time for the opener. His activity has increased this week, so he could be a factor.

FTF: How good is the defense and is it a unit that can carry the Spartans this year?

DH: Adrian said the defense is as good as he’s had in his 10 years at the school. Opposing coordinators have to account for 6-foot-7 linebacker Lynden Trail, who will likely play in the NFL. And NSU’s secondary is as good as they come at the FCS level.

FTF: Looking ahead to this weekend, what is the biggest key for Norfolk State if they want to even the series with Liberty and likely spoil their at large aspirations

DH: It’s pretty simple: The Spartans have to show improvement on offense. They proved their defensive mettle against Maine, but 100 yards of total offense won’t cut it against anybody. When Maine started bringing pressure early in the game, NSU’s offense looked out of sorts. The coaches will have to solve that problem quickly.

FTF: Is this game the "Super Bowl" for the Spartans or are they treating this as just another game, one that could help their own playoff aspirations even though it is only the second game of the season for both teams?

DH: With all due respect to Liberty, I wouldn’t say NSU is treating this game any differently. Every game is important, and this one is no bigger than any other non-conference contest on the schedule. The Spartans’ main concern, in my opinion, is getting things in order before their MEAC opener against Morgan State on Sept. 27.