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
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