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
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