After 8 games, the Flames finally got to their bye week. I think this came about 2 weeks too late in my view, especially given the two inexplicable losses to Gardner-Webb and Monmouth in back to back weeks. Would the Flames have done better in those two games? I certainly think its probable. Anyway, here are my grades for the Flames heading into the final 3 games of the year:
Offense: C+
Josh Woodrum has pretty much had to carry this side of the ball with the struggles in the run game. Following the Kennesaw State win last week, he owns just about every passing record in school history (he probably will get the passing TDs record in the next few weeks), and could become the first FCS QB in state history to throw for over 10,000 yards, a situation that benefits from his being a four year starter (the first in recent memory).
The biggest issue that I have seen though, is the issue with his leadership and media presence. In reading comments on the FlameFans message board following his last couple pressers leading up to the KSU game, fans took issue with his seemingly "throwing others under the bus" and not taking personal responsibility for the play on the field. Some recent comments he made calling out the Liberty Flames Nation blog (run by two members of FlameFans), especially did not go over well.
If Woodrum wants to see his teammates step their game up in these final 3 games, he is going to have to lead by example. To do that, he will not have to get in their faces or slap any helmets...He will have to make plays. Make better throws on the deep ball, spread the ball around to other receivers
The biggest reason for the low grade for the offense, comes from the running game. The Flames came into the year with this as probably their biggest strength, but Liberty has gone for less than 100 rushing yards in 5 of 8 games, and the leading rusher, redshirt senior Des Rice, entered last week with only 497 yards.
That said, the offensive line has to take a good bit of the blame for the rushing woes as well. With a number of players injured, including opening day starter Lucas Holder at center, the depth along the line has been severely tested. With 9 of the linemen on the roster redshirt sophomore or younger, and a few verbal commitments on the line as well, this is a group that has potential for much improvement.
Defense: B-
Some might see this grade as being a tad generous (especially one poster in particular on FlameFans), but the defense has been what has carried the Flames in at least 2 of the Flames' 4 wins. Chima Uzowihe and Erwin Dessources have led the way, and Virginia Beach product Javon Majors has stepped up in his first year playing after a 2014 redshirt. The player I think has a chance to be a real star on the line in the future though, is JaRon Greene. The junior out of Beaumont, TX has 26 tackles through 8 games and 2 sacks, and probably will be the leader of the line group following the graduation of the previously mentioned Uzowihe and Dessources.
The linebackers have underwhelmed this year outside of top tacklers Jimmy O'Grady and Nick Newman. This is a fairly young group behind them as well so I expect to see a lot of improvement after spring ball 2016.
The defensive backs have been very feast or famine this year. The group has 5 INTs this year (3 from freshman Chris Turner), but they have been burned on a number of long pass plays, something that they will have to work on with some fine vertical threats in both the Coastal Carolina and Charleston Southern receiving units.
Special Teams: B-
John Lunsford...has been a conundrum wrapped in an enigma. He set the FCS career record for 50+ yard field goals last week against Kennesaw State, but he has struggled on his intermediate kicks (between 30 and 50 yards). He still has a chance to be drafted next year into the NFL because scouts will see how much of a weapon he can be.
Trey Turner, the former preferred walkon, has had another outstanding season, averaging 39 yards per punt, which is good for tops in the Big South, and is one of only two punters in the conference to go over 60 yards with a punt on the year.
the biggest issue has been the punt returns. Zac Parker had a crucial fumble in the loss to Gardner-Webb, but did finally get his first return TD prior to that fumble.
Damian King has been a breath of fresh air for the kick return unit, showing his speed every time he touches the ball of a kickoff, nearly breaking a couple in the last few games. He is someone that teams will no doubt game plan for in the kicking game.
The goal for the Flames is simple: Just win baby. They are a long shot for a playoff berth at this point in the season following those two gutting losses, but if they win out, they will have a pretty stout resume to show to the selection committee.
Next week the journey continues as the Flames host Presbyterian for Military Appreciation Day
Saturday, October 31, 2015
Friday, October 23, 2015
Fan the Flames Week 8 Preview: Kennesaw State
The Liberty Flames fell to Monmouth in New Jersey last week 20-17 in overtime. This was the second consecutive loss for the Flames, and marked the first time Liberty has lost multiple Big South games as well as consecutive Big South games since 2006 (current Richmond head coach Danny Rocco's first year at Liberty).
In reading the FlameFans message board, some have the attitude that this is one of the lowest points in the fairly recent history of Liberty football, coming off a playoff berth and high expectations for finally earning an outright Big South title, especially with Coastal Carolina heading to FBS and the Sun Belt Conference.
Josh Woodrum threw for 336 yards, but zero TD passes for the second time in three games as well as two costly interceptions. The story once again, though, was the absence of the running game. Des Rice finished with 66 yards to lead the way, but there was not much else to speak of.
Darrin Peterson finished with 120 yards and became the all-time leader in receptions and receiving yards
Grades:
Offense: C-
Woodrum threw for 336 yards, but he did it on 53 attempts. WAY too many passing attempts I think...As I said above, the running game disappeared once again, which has been a theme throughout the season. Rice currently leads the way with 497 yards.
Petey and Woodrum no doubt have a good relationship as QB and WR, but teams have been keying on him and in many situations, another option is wide open and sometimes overlooked. The senior NEEDS to spread the ball around, and on top of that, needs to take some time and look at his mechanics, especially on the deep ball
Defense: C+
When you only allow 20 points, that is a pretty good day, but when you can't stop the other team when it matters, that takes a good bit of the shine off of the performance. The Flames only finished with 1 sack and 3 TFL on the day despite only allowing just south of 300 yards of offense. They have a bigger test ahead of them this week, though (more on that later)
Special Teams: B-
Turner had a very good day punting, pinning the Hawks inside the 20 twice. Lunsford was booming the kickoffs again, garnering two touchbacks, but had a 27 yard field goal blocked that was the difference in the game (among other things).
Overall: C
In reading the FlameFans message board, some have the attitude that this is one of the lowest points in the fairly recent history of Liberty football, coming off a playoff berth and high expectations for finally earning an outright Big South title, especially with Coastal Carolina heading to FBS and the Sun Belt Conference.
Josh Woodrum threw for 336 yards, but zero TD passes for the second time in three games as well as two costly interceptions. The story once again, though, was the absence of the running game. Des Rice finished with 66 yards to lead the way, but there was not much else to speak of.
Darrin Peterson finished with 120 yards and became the all-time leader in receptions and receiving yards
Grades:
Offense: C-
Woodrum threw for 336 yards, but he did it on 53 attempts. WAY too many passing attempts I think...As I said above, the running game disappeared once again, which has been a theme throughout the season. Rice currently leads the way with 497 yards.
Petey and Woodrum no doubt have a good relationship as QB and WR, but teams have been keying on him and in many situations, another option is wide open and sometimes overlooked. The senior NEEDS to spread the ball around, and on top of that, needs to take some time and look at his mechanics, especially on the deep ball
Defense: C+
When you only allow 20 points, that is a pretty good day, but when you can't stop the other team when it matters, that takes a good bit of the shine off of the performance. The Flames only finished with 1 sack and 3 TFL on the day despite only allowing just south of 300 yards of offense. They have a bigger test ahead of them this week, though (more on that later)
Special Teams: B-
Turner had a very good day punting, pinning the Hawks inside the 20 twice. Lunsford was booming the kickoffs again, garnering two touchbacks, but had a 27 yard field goal blocked that was the difference in the game (among other things).
Overall: C
Kennesaw State 5-1 (1-0 Big South)
vs.
Liberty 3-4 (0-2 Big South)
Matchup
Location: Williams Stadium, Lynchburg, VA
Series: First Meeting
Last Meeting:First Meeting
Kickoff: 7:00 PM
Radio: The Journey FM Radio Network/Liberty Flames Sports Network (Liberty)
Alan York play-by-play; KSUOwls.com/Kennesaw State Radio Network, Art Giffin play-by-play
Television: LFSN/ESPN3/National: Mike Tilley play-by-play
Coaches: Turner Gill (4th Season at Liberty 24-18 Record), Brian Bohannon (First Season at Kennesaw State 5-1 Record)
Last Week: Liberty L 17-20 vs. Monmouth, Kennesaw State W 12-7 vs. Gardner-Webb
Prediction
The Flames likely saw any hope of a playoff bid washed away with their loss to Monmouth last week, but they can still play spoiler in the Big South, but they will have to win out, including beating a first year Owls program that has played above expectations through six games.
I will pick Liberty in this game only because I expect the Flames to circle the wagons after getting two straight massive reality checks and get a much needed win and move to 3-0 in first meetings with new Big South members
Liberty 42
Kennesaw State 21
Thursday, October 15, 2015
Fan the Flames Week 7 Preview: Monmouth
We enter the second half of the 2015 season coming off of a down note as the Flames lost to Gardner-Webb last week 34-20 down in Boiling Springs, NC. It was the first loss for the Flames to the Runnin Bulldogs since 2006 and the first loss in Boiling Springs since 2005.
Josh Woodrum threw for over 300 yards for the first time this season, but the story offensively was...once again...the running game, or the lack thereof. Senior Des Rice finished with 52 yards on 10 carries and DJ Abnar had only 2 net yards before leaving with an injury. Woodrum did eclipse the 9,000 passing yard mark in the game, and is within striking distance of the all-time passing yardage record at Liberty, and could potentially hit 10,000 yards passing, but it will likely take making the playoffs to do it unless he goes for some very gaudy numbers in the final 5 games of the year.
A big loss for the Flames is DJ Abnar, who injured his ankle in the loss to G-W. He gave the Flames a "lightning" complement to the "thunder" of Des Rice, although Flames fans remember when he brought the thunder to an Appalachian State defender last year down in Boone (check out the video on youtube if you get a chance). It will be Todd Macon moving into the #2 role the rest of the year.
Grades for G-W
Offense: C+
Woodrum threw for over 300 yards as I noted before, but for the Flames to be successful, they need balance, and less than 80 yards rushing as a team is not going to help with that. Rice and Macon will need to really step their games up with DJ out for the year, and the line will have to do a significantly better job up front.
Defense: C-
Allowing 34 points to a team that had not broken 20 since the opening game of the sevsason is unacceptable. So is allowing a QB to rush for over 150 yards including a 40+ yard TD. The defense needs to tighten up if they are going to keep another L from going on the board the rest of the year (which is what it will take for Liberty to make the postseason at this point)
Special Teams: C-
Zac Parker did have the first punt return for a TD for Liberty in a couple years, but it was his muff that set up the Bulldogs for the game clinching TD.
Overall: C
Now on to this week's now VERY important matchup:
Josh Woodrum threw for over 300 yards for the first time this season, but the story offensively was...once again...the running game, or the lack thereof. Senior Des Rice finished with 52 yards on 10 carries and DJ Abnar had only 2 net yards before leaving with an injury. Woodrum did eclipse the 9,000 passing yard mark in the game, and is within striking distance of the all-time passing yardage record at Liberty, and could potentially hit 10,000 yards passing, but it will likely take making the playoffs to do it unless he goes for some very gaudy numbers in the final 5 games of the year.
A big loss for the Flames is DJ Abnar, who injured his ankle in the loss to G-W. He gave the Flames a "lightning" complement to the "thunder" of Des Rice, although Flames fans remember when he brought the thunder to an Appalachian State defender last year down in Boone (check out the video on youtube if you get a chance). It will be Todd Macon moving into the #2 role the rest of the year.
Grades for G-W
Offense: C+
Woodrum threw for over 300 yards as I noted before, but for the Flames to be successful, they need balance, and less than 80 yards rushing as a team is not going to help with that. Rice and Macon will need to really step their games up with DJ out for the year, and the line will have to do a significantly better job up front.
Defense: C-
Allowing 34 points to a team that had not broken 20 since the opening game of the sevsason is unacceptable. So is allowing a QB to rush for over 150 yards including a 40+ yard TD. The defense needs to tighten up if they are going to keep another L from going on the board the rest of the year (which is what it will take for Liberty to make the postseason at this point)
Special Teams: C-
Zac Parker did have the first punt return for a TD for Liberty in a couple years, but it was his muff that set up the Bulldogs for the game clinching TD.
Overall: C
Now on to this week's now VERY important matchup:
#22 Liberty 3-3 (0-1 Big South)
vs.
Monmouth 2-4 (0-1 Big South)
This week the Flames conclude their four game road trip with the first ever trip to the state of NJ to take on second year Big South affiliate member Monmouth. The Flames have won both prior meetings with Monmouth, but those games were in Lynchburg. The Flames hope to actually reverse an unusual trend this week, as they have actually lost their last two debut road games against Big South members (2008 at Presbyterian and 2009 at Stony Brook).
Liberty is playing their first regular season game north of the state of Maryland since 2011 when they traveled up to LaValle Stadium and lost to Stony Brook 41-31.
Matchup
Location: Monmouth Stadium, West Long Branch, NJ
Series: Third Meeting (Liberty leads 2-0)
Last Meeting: 34-24 Liberty (11/8/2014)
Kickoff: 1:00 PM
Radio: The Journey FM Radio Network/Liberty Flames Sports Network (Liberty)
Alan York play-by-play; No Radio Information for Monmouth
Television: ESPN3/National: Matt Harmon Play-by-play
Coaches: Turner Gill (4th Season at Liberty 24-17 Record), Kevin Callahan (23rd Season at Monmouth 128-106 Record)
Last Week: Liberty L 20-34 vs. Gardner-Webb, Monmouth L 7-37 vs. Charleston Southern
The Flames need this one...BADLY. After coming off an inexplicable loss to Gardner-Webb, the Flames have to win out to have a chance at the postseason (They can reach 7 Division 1 wins before hosting Coastal Carolina of course, but they don't want to leave it in the hands of the committee). Monmouth does get one of their top DBs back in Marcus Leslie, and I expect he will get the assignment against Darrin Peterson, who is closing in on a few Liberty and Big South career records.
The Flames know their backs are against the wall in this one and they have traditionally done well in just that sort of a situation. I expect Liberty to win this one and get started on a downhill run to a matchup with CCU with the Big South title on the line
Liberty 28
Monmouth 17
Thursday, October 8, 2015
Fan the Flames Week 6 Preview: Gardner-Webb
We have reached the halfway point of the 2015 football season, and with it comes the arrival of Big South Conference play. First though, we review last week:
The Liberty Flames picked up their second victory over an FBS opponent in two years when they knocked off the Georgia State Panthers 41-33 inside the Georgia Dome in Atlanta.
Josh Woodrum threw for 242 yards and Des Rice and DJ Abnar combined for 180 yards with Rice scoring 3 TDs in the victory.
Things got off to a rather inauspicious start for Liberty as backup QB Stephon Masha fumbled the ball inside the 10 yard line on the way to an opening TD and GSU scored the first of three long TDs thanks to Donovan Harden and Nick Arbuckle (More on that later). Liberty responded with the first of 5 10+ play drives, cashing in from 1 yard out courtest of Rice. The game went back and forth after than with Liberty retaking the lead every time GSU responded, until a defensive stand by the Flames late in the third quarter forced the Panthers to take a FG, and they never got inside of double figures until a late Arbuckle TD run.
This marks the first time ever that Liberty has beaten an FBS team in back to back seasons, and the third FBS win in the last 6 seasons, after only getting one FBS win in the first 36 seasons of LU football...COMBINED.
This was an important win for the program, maybe not from the standpoint of boosting our resume with the selection committee, but at the very least shows they can bounce back from a tough loss.
Here are the grades for this week:
Offense: A
After the running game was non-existent the last few games, it came back with a vengeance down in Atlanta, giving the Flames offense much needed balance. Josh Woodrum even got in on th efun busting a 36 yard run on his first option play.
Darrin "Petey" Peterson returned to the lineup and while he did not have a huge game (9 receptions 89 yards), he was enough of a presence that Josh Woodrum was able to spread the ball around. Also, a new face emerged in true freshman Damian King, who made a pair of crucial third down catches to keep Flames drives alive.
The line improved as well, paving the way for the running game (although they ned to work on getting better push in the middle) and keeping Woodrum upright as they did not allow a sack in thega,e
Defense: C+
The biggest issue I had with the defense is in the backfield. The Flames allowed 3 TDs of 50 yards or more including the earlier mentioned 76 yarder on GSU's first posession. There were young DBs back there with Wesley Scott out due to injury, but they still need to be more cognizant of the player in front of them and not get caught with their eyes in the backfield.
The line sacked Arbuckle 3 times and largely shut down the running game of the Panthers (although some could argue they didn't have one to begin with).
Special Teams: B
The Flames got very lucky on a roughing the kicker penalty during Trey Turner's one punt on the day, but he will need to work on that or it could be a block party down the road.
Lunsford found his mojo, hitting both of his field goals (from 28 and 56 yards respectively). the 56 yarder was a gutsy call in the 4th, but head coach Turner Gill has a ton of confidence in his senior starter sending him out that close to midfield.
The return game showed improvement again and DJ Abnar showed the burst all Flames remember from his debut against Gardner-Webb in 2012, as he very nearly took the opening kickoff for a TD (which I believe has never happened for the Flames)
Overall Grade: B
Location: Earnest W. Spangler Stadium, Boiling Springs NC
Series: 22nd Meeting (Liberty leads 12-8-1)
Last Meeting: Liberty 34-0 (10/25/14)
Kickoff: 37:00 PM
Radio: The Journey FM Radio Network/Liberty Flames Sports Network (Liberty) Alan York play-by-play, Runnin Bulldogs Radio Network (wgwg.org) Brendan Boylan play-by-play
Television: American Sports Network/National Mike Tilley play-by-play
Coaches: Turner Gill (4th Season at Liberty, 24-16 Record),Carroll McCray (3rd Season at Gardner-Webb, 12-16 Record)
Last Week: Liberty W 41-33 vs. Georgia State , Gardner-Webb had a bye week
Prediction:
G-W is a very young squad, and they have struggled on offense, only scoring more than 20 points once and that was in the opening loss to South Alabama. I think Liberty wins this one easily, but if G-W does not find some offense and fast, they will be the Runnin right out of their own stadium thanks to Liberty
Liberty 45
Gardner-Webb 7
The Liberty Flames picked up their second victory over an FBS opponent in two years when they knocked off the Georgia State Panthers 41-33 inside the Georgia Dome in Atlanta.
Josh Woodrum threw for 242 yards and Des Rice and DJ Abnar combined for 180 yards with Rice scoring 3 TDs in the victory.
Things got off to a rather inauspicious start for Liberty as backup QB Stephon Masha fumbled the ball inside the 10 yard line on the way to an opening TD and GSU scored the first of three long TDs thanks to Donovan Harden and Nick Arbuckle (More on that later). Liberty responded with the first of 5 10+ play drives, cashing in from 1 yard out courtest of Rice. The game went back and forth after than with Liberty retaking the lead every time GSU responded, until a defensive stand by the Flames late in the third quarter forced the Panthers to take a FG, and they never got inside of double figures until a late Arbuckle TD run.
This marks the first time ever that Liberty has beaten an FBS team in back to back seasons, and the third FBS win in the last 6 seasons, after only getting one FBS win in the first 36 seasons of LU football...COMBINED.
This was an important win for the program, maybe not from the standpoint of boosting our resume with the selection committee, but at the very least shows they can bounce back from a tough loss.
Here are the grades for this week:
Offense: A
After the running game was non-existent the last few games, it came back with a vengeance down in Atlanta, giving the Flames offense much needed balance. Josh Woodrum even got in on th efun busting a 36 yard run on his first option play.
Darrin "Petey" Peterson returned to the lineup and while he did not have a huge game (9 receptions 89 yards), he was enough of a presence that Josh Woodrum was able to spread the ball around. Also, a new face emerged in true freshman Damian King, who made a pair of crucial third down catches to keep Flames drives alive.
The line improved as well, paving the way for the running game (although they ned to work on getting better push in the middle) and keeping Woodrum upright as they did not allow a sack in thega,e
Defense: C+
The biggest issue I had with the defense is in the backfield. The Flames allowed 3 TDs of 50 yards or more including the earlier mentioned 76 yarder on GSU's first posession. There were young DBs back there with Wesley Scott out due to injury, but they still need to be more cognizant of the player in front of them and not get caught with their eyes in the backfield.
The line sacked Arbuckle 3 times and largely shut down the running game of the Panthers (although some could argue they didn't have one to begin with).
Special Teams: B
The Flames got very lucky on a roughing the kicker penalty during Trey Turner's one punt on the day, but he will need to work on that or it could be a block party down the road.
Lunsford found his mojo, hitting both of his field goals (from 28 and 56 yards respectively). the 56 yarder was a gutsy call in the 4th, but head coach Turner Gill has a ton of confidence in his senior starter sending him out that close to midfield.
The return game showed improvement again and DJ Abnar showed the burst all Flames remember from his debut against Gardner-Webb in 2012, as he very nearly took the opening kickoff for a TD (which I believe has never happened for the Flames)
Overall Grade: B
#15 Liberty 3-2 (0-0 Big South)
vs.
Gardner-Webb
This week the Flames head down to Boiling Springs, NC for the opener to Big South play against the Runnin Bulldogs. This is the 7th time the Flames have opened against G-W, and the first time doing so on the road since 2011. To say the Flames have dominated the series in recent history would be an understatement. Liberty has not lost a game in this series since 2006, has not allowed a point to G-W in the last 8+ quarters (G-W last scored on a Juanne Blount 4 yd. TD run in the 4th quarter...in 2012...) and has beaten the Runnin Bulldogs by double figures in all but 1 of those victories (7 points in 2012)
Matchup:
Series: 22nd Meeting (Liberty leads 12-8-1)
Last Meeting: Liberty 34-0 (10/25/14)
Kickoff: 37:00 PM
Radio: The Journey FM Radio Network/Liberty Flames Sports Network (Liberty) Alan York play-by-play, Runnin Bulldogs Radio Network (wgwg.org) Brendan Boylan play-by-play
Television: American Sports Network/National Mike Tilley play-by-play
Coaches: Turner Gill (4th Season at Liberty, 24-16 Record),Carroll McCray (3rd Season at Gardner-Webb, 12-16 Record)
Last Week: Liberty W 41-33 vs. Georgia State , Gardner-Webb had a bye week
Prediction:
G-W is a very young squad, and they have struggled on offense, only scoring more than 20 points once and that was in the opening loss to South Alabama. I think Liberty wins this one easily, but if G-W does not find some offense and fast, they will be the Runnin right out of their own stadium thanks to Liberty
Liberty 45
Gardner-Webb 7
Thursday, October 1, 2015
Fan the Flames Week 5 Preview: Georgia State
After a week off due to a very hectic work schedule, I am back to preview Liberty's final non-conference game of the season, and second FBS opponent.
Before I do though, let's take a quick look back at last week's game against Southern Illinois.
Josh Woodrum threw for 277 yards and became Liberty's all-time leader in total offense, but the Flames were undone by a pair of fumbles, 2 failed 4th down conversions and a much faster Saluki squad as they fell 34-13 last Saturday night.
Woodrum did not throw an interception on the evening, but he was not very efficient, needing 47 attempts to get his yards. He also failed to throw a TD pass in a regular season game for the first time since the VMI game in 2013, and the Flames again could not get the running game going, as Todd Macon led the way with only 28 yards and the lone TD on the night. The Flames have not been held without an offensive TD since September 2010 against JMU (a 10-3 loss), a span of 57 games. That game was also the last time Liberty failed to reach double figures in points.
The Flames are going to have to get the run game on track if they want to contend for the Big South title, much less a playoff berth of any type.
Grades for Week 4:
Offense: C-
This is being pretty generous I know. Woodrum needed 47 attempts to get his yardage, the Flames finished below 100 yards on the ground for the third straight game and Woodrum was sacked twice, both times losing the football. there were some bright spots so I didn't think that this week warranted a D or F grade
Defense: C+
The Flames were held without a sack after Chima pancaked Montana's QB to set the all-time sack record. They will need to get much better penetration into the GSU backfield in order to keep the pressure on QB Nick Arbuckle. The DBs were burned on some long pass plays as well, although Alpha Jalloh did have a nice diving INT. GSU has a couple guys that can put up some crooked numbers if they are not on their game despite the 1-2 record.
Special Teams:C-
Lunsford once again struggled, missing from 57 and 48 yards, but hitting from 39 and 57. The 2014 All-American is going to need to get his head in the game if he is going to be as potent a weapon as he was last year.
Trey Turner only had 1 punt, which thankfully was not blocked after the adventurous time against Montana. Hopefully he figures out a way to speed up his delivery, although I would be perfectly content with the Flames not attempting any punts in this one.
The kick return game was...well outside of Damian King it was...well...meh. King had a 38 yard burst against the Salukis, so you have to think he is due to break a huge one at some point, as is DJ Abnar. Zac Parker again struggled fielding punts, having an adventurous fair catch and a negative return in his two attempts.
Now on to this week's FBS opponent:
Location: Georgia Dome Atlanta, GA
Series: First Meeting
Last Meeting: First Meeting
Kickoff: 3:30 PM
Radio: The Journey FM Radio Network/Liberty Flames Sports Network (Liberty) Alan York play-by-play, Georgia State Radio Network (Georgia State) Dave Cohen play-by-play
Television: ESPN3/Big South Network (National) Matt Stewart play-by-play
Coaches: Turner Gill (4th Season at Liberty, 23-16 Record), Trent Miles (3rd Season at GSU, 3-25 Record)
Last Week: Liberty L 13-34 vs.Southern Illinois, Georgia State had a bye week
Before I do though, let's take a quick look back at last week's game against Southern Illinois.
Josh Woodrum threw for 277 yards and became Liberty's all-time leader in total offense, but the Flames were undone by a pair of fumbles, 2 failed 4th down conversions and a much faster Saluki squad as they fell 34-13 last Saturday night.
Woodrum did not throw an interception on the evening, but he was not very efficient, needing 47 attempts to get his yards. He also failed to throw a TD pass in a regular season game for the first time since the VMI game in 2013, and the Flames again could not get the running game going, as Todd Macon led the way with only 28 yards and the lone TD on the night. The Flames have not been held without an offensive TD since September 2010 against JMU (a 10-3 loss), a span of 57 games. That game was also the last time Liberty failed to reach double figures in points.
The Flames are going to have to get the run game on track if they want to contend for the Big South title, much less a playoff berth of any type.
Grades for Week 4:
Offense: C-
This is being pretty generous I know. Woodrum needed 47 attempts to get his yardage, the Flames finished below 100 yards on the ground for the third straight game and Woodrum was sacked twice, both times losing the football. there were some bright spots so I didn't think that this week warranted a D or F grade
Defense: C+
The Flames were held without a sack after Chima pancaked Montana's QB to set the all-time sack record. They will need to get much better penetration into the GSU backfield in order to keep the pressure on QB Nick Arbuckle. The DBs were burned on some long pass plays as well, although Alpha Jalloh did have a nice diving INT. GSU has a couple guys that can put up some crooked numbers if they are not on their game despite the 1-2 record.
Special Teams:C-
Lunsford once again struggled, missing from 57 and 48 yards, but hitting from 39 and 57. The 2014 All-American is going to need to get his head in the game if he is going to be as potent a weapon as he was last year.
Trey Turner only had 1 punt, which thankfully was not blocked after the adventurous time against Montana. Hopefully he figures out a way to speed up his delivery, although I would be perfectly content with the Flames not attempting any punts in this one.
The kick return game was...well outside of Damian King it was...well...meh. King had a 38 yard burst against the Salukis, so you have to think he is due to break a huge one at some point, as is DJ Abnar. Zac Parker again struggled fielding punts, having an adventurous fair catch and a negative return in his two attempts.
Now on to this week's FBS opponent:
Liberty (#18 FCS) 2-2 (0-0) Big South)
vs.
Georgia State 1-2 (1-0 Sun Belt)
The Liberty Flames make their first ever appearance in the Georgia Dome, and their first appearance in the state of GA since 2006 (Trivia: Who was the opponent in that game?) Liberty is 2-1 in FBS games against non-"P5" opponents (defeating Ball State in 2010 and Appalachian State last year, and losing to Kent State in 2013).
Matchup:
Series: First Meeting
Last Meeting: First Meeting
Kickoff: 3:30 PM
Radio: The Journey FM Radio Network/Liberty Flames Sports Network (Liberty) Alan York play-by-play, Georgia State Radio Network (Georgia State) Dave Cohen play-by-play
Television: ESPN3/Big South Network (National) Matt Stewart play-by-play
Coaches: Turner Gill (4th Season at Liberty, 23-16 Record), Trent Miles (3rd Season at GSU, 3-25 Record)
Last Week: Liberty L 13-34 vs.Southern Illinois, Georgia State had a bye week
Prediction:
GSU has made strides under Coach Miles, but they still only have 3 wins in 28 games under the former Indiana State HC, and last year against 2nd year FCS program Abilene Christian, they had to rally in the 4th quarter to squeak out a 1 point win.
The Flames need this game to bolster their resume for a bid to the FCS playoffs. A win here, paired with a win over Montana as well will certainly look good in the eyes of the committee, especially if SIU and West Virginia continue to do well.
While I do pick the Flames to win this one, GSU is still an FBS program so I think this game will be close. If Lunsford was able to get his screws tightened up top, I expect him to blast one at the gun and give the Flames another FBS "scalp" (as they call in on some of the FCS message boards)
Liberty 35
Georgia State 32
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)