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