Fan the Flames Beat Writer Interview: Jake Oswalt (St. Francis (PA))

This week I had a chat with Jake Oswalt from Mainline Sports as we get set for Saturday's matchup
Fan the Flames: What has it meant to see Coach Villarial take St. Francis from where they were 8 seasons ago to the FCS playoffs? What changes have you most noticed from the program as he has been at the helm?
Jake Oswalt: Chris Villarrial has engineered one of the most impressive
turnarounds in all of FCS football. SFU was one of the worst programs
that failed to produce a winning record from 1993 until the 2015
season. Having been from the Loretto area, there is a clear
night-and-day difference under Villarrial's guidance. The entire
culture has changed. The team expects to win Northeast Conference
titles now, instead of hoping to have a winning record.
To illustrate the program's ascension, SFU went 12-81 (.129 winning
percentage) in NEC play from 1996-2009. After going 2-14 in
Villarrial's first two years in conference play, the Red Flash have
gone 17-13 over the last five years in the NEC. SFU won its first NEC
title last year and earned its first FCS Playoff bid.
Villarrial and his staff has dramatically increased the talent level.
This year, San Francisco 49ers safety Lorenzo Jerome became the first
player from Saint Francis to play in the NFL since 1952. The program
is built on physicality on both sides of the ball. The administration
has invested in providing better facilities, while this coaching staff
has implemented creative schemes to stay among the NEC's elite. Over
the last few years, Saint Francis has been able to compete with teams
in the top FCS conferences, yet they are still searching for a
program-defining victory.

FTF: What is the mindset of the team as they make the trip to Lynchburg before the bulk of NEC play begins?
JO: This Saint Francis team will be unphased coming into Liberty. SFU
has played in road games at Albany, Fordham, James Madison, Montana,
Towson, Villanova and Youngstown State since 2014 and remained
competitive in those games. The Red Flash have no problem playing the
underdog role. SFU will be looking to get back in the win column after
losing on a last-second field goal to Towson at home on Sept. 16.
After a bye week, I'm sure the players have that loss on the back of
their minds.
FTF: Who is the player we need to most watch out for from the Red Flash on Saturday night?
JO: Keep your eyes on wide receiver Kamron Lewis. The junior is a
highlight-reel waiting to happen. Lewis was named as the NEC Offensive
Player of the Year after hauling in 75 passes for 1,478 yards and 11
touchdowns. Through three games, Lewis has received plenty of
attention but has compiled 17 catches for 264 yards and four
touchdowns. Listed at 6-foot-4, Lewis is a red zone threat. He caught
two touchdowns on fades against Towson.
FTF: What's the matchup that we need to be watching this Saturday night?
JO: The Liberty passing game against SFU's passing defense looks to be
a critical matchup. Liberty averages 359.5 passing yards per game,
while SFU allows 183.3 yards through the air per contest. SFU has a
veteran secondary with three seniors in cornerbacks Malik Duncan and
Jalen Wells and safety Delondo Boyd. Towson's Jabari Greenwood caught
13 passes for 151 yards against SFU on Sept. 16. It looks as though
Liberty's Antonio Gandy-Golden will provide another test as he has 28
catches for 499 yards and four touchdowns.
SFU loves getting after the quarterback with its various blitzes so
providing Stephen Calvert time will be key. SFU has picked off five
passes and recovered five fumbles in three games. Saint Francis has
only allowed one touchdown through three games. Opponents have only
produced one touchdown in 10 red zone trips against SFU's defense.
FTF: What do you think is the key for the Red Flash against the Flames
JO: The key for Saint Francis will be to establish its running game and
keep the crowd out of it. Although Houston transfer Bear Fenimore has
provided steady play at quarterback, SFU wants to have a balanced
offense with an efficient running game. The play-action passing game
has helped Saint Francis win two of its first three games. SFU needs
to stay ahead of schedule offensively to allow its defense time to
rest, as they will face its toughest test as of yet.

Fan the Flames Game #5 Preview: St. Francis (PA)

The Liberty Flames look to get back on the winning track in front of the home crowd on Liberty Athletics Hall of Fame Weekend after suffering the first setback of the 2017 season.

Last week Liberty made only its second trip ever to JSU Stadium to face the #5 Gamecocks. Unfortunately the running game played like it was stuck in concrete and despite Stephen Buckshot Calvert throwing for 285 yards (his 5th 250+ yard performance in 6 games going back to last season), the Flames were snuffed out and suffered a 31-10 setback.

While Jacksonville State offensive leader Roc Thomas was somewhat held in check by the defense, The Gamecocks still were able to make explosive plays including an 80 yard TD in a second quarter that gave JSU the lead for good. Carrington Mosley was the leading rusher with 36 yards on 14 carries. Antonio Gandy-Golden had another eye-popping night finishing with 126 yards on 7 receptions, although BJ Farrow had the only TD on the night, a 65 yarder midway through the third quarter.

There is no rest for the weary though as the Flames welcome their newest members in the university's athletics hall of fame:

St. Francis (PA) 2-1 (1-0 Northeast Conference)

vs.

 #22 Liberty 3-1 (0-0 Independent)

The Saint Francis Red Flash make their first trip inside Williams Stadium since 2007 when they come for the third ever meeting between the two teams. The last two meetings...well...they have not been close, with the Flames outscoring the Red Flash 120-17. This is not the same SFU squad though as 8th year coach Chris Villarrial, a former offensive lineman with the Chicago Bears and Buffalo Bills, took the Red Flash to the NEC title and their first ever NCAA playoff bid in 2016, and back to back winning seasons for the first time since 1991-1992. 

The Red Flash are significantly improved, but they feasted on below average teams in the non-conference with wins over a D2 in Lock Haven, followed by a win over a below average Wagner team, before losing by two to Towson from the CAA on a last second field goal. FBS transfer Bear Fenimore, who transferred from Houson of the AAC, has thrown for just south of 800 yards in three games. This will be the best defense that they will face this year in my opinion.

Matchup

Location:Williams Stadium Lynchburg, VA

Series: Third Meeting

Last Meeting: Liberty 52-7 (09/04/2010)

Kickoff: 6:00 PM

Radio: The Journey FM Radio Network/Liberty Flames Sports Network (Liberty) Alan York play-by-play; No known Saint Francis radio

Television: Liberty Flames Sports Network/ESPN 3 Mike Tilley play-by-play

Coaches: Turner Gill (6th Season at Liberty 37-25 Record), Chris Villarrial (8th season at SFU 33-47 Record
Last Week: Liberty l. Jacksonville State 31-10, Saint Francis l. Towson 16-14

Fan the Flames Beat Writer Interview: Joe Medley (Jacksonville State)

THis week is the biggest game of the year for the Liberty Flames down in Jacksonville and who better to talk to than Joe Medley beat writer for the Anniston Star.

Fan the Flames: First and foremost thanks for taking the time to do this with me. Even though it's only two games in, what differences can you see between Levi Jenkins and 2017 starter Bryant Horn?
Joe Medley: The main difference between Eli Jenkins and Bryant Horn is that Jenkins was more of a running threat, in that he could "house" opponents. He could go 80 yards and beat a defense. He could be the primary ball carrier, depending on how defenses played JSU. Horn's runs are more the changeup, most effective in getting first-down yardage.

FTF: How has the team stayed focused coming off a very early bye week after the loss to Georgia Tech?

JM: JSU has gone game, open date, game and open date. JSU coach John Grass joked this week that his team might be the most rested and healthy in college football. His main concern has been making sure the Gamecocks do things in practice to maintain a feel for game speed. As for focus, they just came off a 37-10 loss. It was to a Power Five opponent, but JSU has come to expect better showings in those games. Now, they face a team that is making the FBS transition and beat a Power Five opponent.

FTF: Who has taken up the slack in the receivers following the graduation of leading receiver Josh Barge?

JM: The answer is nobody, at least to that level. Grass has referred to this receiving corps as more blue-collar. Krenwick Sanders (Wisconsin transfer) and Shaq Davidson (South Carolina transfer) each have a touchdown catch. Jamari Hester (6-7, 210) is talented but has had issues with drops in the first two games. What was interesting in the Georgia Tech game was how JSU expanded its use of running back Roc Thomas in the passing game, sending him in down-field patterns.

FTF: How good is Roc Thomas? Is he someone that we could see on Sunday next year?

JM: Thomas is a home-run threat, capable of making tacklers miss. He made as many as nine miss on highlight-reel runs in high school. What he's trying to show this year --- and Grass, who was his first high school coach, has gone to bat for him this way --- is that he can get it done between the tackles. He was a legit five-star talent out of high school, so there's every chance he could play on Sundays.

FTF: This is a two part question. First, What's the matchup that we need to be watching this Saturday night? Second, What do you think is the key for the Gamecocks against the Flames in what could be a very high scoring game Saturday night?
JSU's corners against Liberty's receivers. JSU must make Stephen Calvert, known for quick throws, hold onto the ball longer than he wants. JSU wants to give Darius Jackson and the pass rush time to affect Calvert. Also, JSU's linebackers have been known to drop into coverage and get picks. Sam linebacker Jonathan Hagler had a pick-6 against Chattanooga. Will LB Joel McCandless has two career interceptions, including a pick-6 at Eastern Kentucky last year. Mike LB Quan Stoudamire has a breakup and a PD this year. Look for them to try to squeeze underneath windows.

Fan the Flames Game #4 Preview: Jacksonville State

The Flames head back on the road for the first time since the season opener as they make their first trip to Jacksonville (Alabama that is) since 1981.

Last week though Corbin Jackson added his name to the Flames end of game "block party" by getting a hand on a game-ending field goal attempt sealing a 42-41 victory for Liberty, and their first home win over a current member of the Missouri Valley Football Conference.

Buckshot Calvert finished with 39 yards passing and 4 ore touchdowns, despite throwing his first interception of the season. The sophomore has over 1100 yards passing through the first three games, which puts him on track to break the single season yards record set by Phil Basso (whose single game yardage record Calvert broke against Baylor) The Flames had another 100 yard rusher as senior Carrington Mosley finished with 108 yards and his first two touchdowns of the season. Top receiver Antonio Gandy-Golden finished with 171 yards on 7 catches (for an eye-popping 24.4 YPC average) an another TD, giving him 4 on the year.

Juwan Wells had a key sack in the 4th quarter to lead the defense and of course the aforementioned block by Jackson.

A strange but important sequence led to the epic game conclusion. Head Coach Turner Gill called a timeout on a fourth down play for Indiana State with bout a minute left in the fourth quarter but the imeout wasn't credited until after the Flame had stopped a pass from ISU QB Cade Sparks. The Sycamores drove down to the 6 yard line setting the stage for the kick.

Now though, the attention turns to the most important road game of the season...


v

#16 Liberty 3-0 (0-0 Independent)

vs.

 #5 Jacksonville State 1-1 (0-0 Ohio Valley Conference)

The Flames and Gamecocks matchup for only the 4th time ever and their first matchup in over 35 years in Bugess-Snow Field at JSU Stadium (Simply known as Paul Snow Stadium the last time the two teams met down there). The Gamecocks have been one of the top teams in the country, particularly since current coach John Grass took over in 2014. The previous three seasons under Grass, they have won 10 games all 3 years and played for a national championship in 2015.

Matchup

Location: Burgess-Snow Field at JSU Stadium Jacksonville AL

Series: Fourth Meeting

Last Meeting: Jacksonville State 48-19 (09/24/2016)

Kickoff: 7:00 PM

Radio: The Journey FM Radio Network/Liberty Flames Sports Network (Liberty) Alan York play-by-play; WLJS 91.9 FM/JSU Radio Network (Jacksonville State) Mike Parris play-by-play

Television: Liberty Flames Sports Network/ESPN 3 Mike Tilley play-by-play

Coaches: Turner Gill (6th Season at Liberty 37-24 Record), John Grass (4th Season at JSU 34-7 Record)
Last Week: Liberty d. Indiana State 42-41, Jacksonville State had a bye

Liberty suffered its most embarrassing home loss in recent history when JSU marched into Williams Stadium and crushed Liberty 48-19. Buckshot Calvert came on in relief of Stephon Masha (who would elect to transfer following the 2016 season) and threw for125 yards and a TD before being named the full time starter the next week.

The Gamecocks offene still has its most potent weapon in running back Roc Thomas, who rushed for 137 yards and 2 TDs and added 69 receiving yards and another TD.

This is going to come down to the two defenses stepping up and making the key stops because you have two teams who both can light up a scoreboard. The Flame are a big underdog here, but I think the Flames get the last word, just like they did against Indiana State and pull off another top 5 upset under Turner Gill

Liberty 49
Jacksonville State 42

Fan the Flames Game #3 Preview: Indiana State

The Liberty Flames wrap up their first homestand of the year with a visit from a Missouri Valley Football Conference foe returning their last meeting in 2014

The Flames look to move to 3-0 for the first time since 2008 with a win on Saturday following a dominating performance in a 58-17 win over Morehead State in the home opener. The win was the 5th win in a row in the home opener and the FLames have won gone 14-1 in home openers dating back to 2002 (The only loss coming in Turner Gill's first home game in 2012).  Sophomore QB Stephen "Buckshot" Calvert was again firing on all cylinders, finishing 13/21 passing for 281 yards with 5 TDs...in the FIRST HALF! I think it would be pretty safe to say he would have broken the single-game record for passing TDs if he played the second half (that record, by the way, is 6 by Phil Basso in 1984).
After Carrington Mosley starred in the win down in Waco, JUCO transfer Kentory Matthews took the spotlight in this one, rushing for 103 yards and 2 TDs on 13 carries.
 Another star on the night was BJ Farrow, making his first appearance after sitting out the Baylor game while addressing "eligibility issues" (No one from Liberty has gone on record as to what specific issues that entailed). He splashed onto the scene with 6 catches for 177 yards and 3 of Calvert's 5 TDs, including a 76-yard bomb early in the second quarter and a Sportscenter caliber grab from 45 yards out just before halftime.

The defense shined as well led by Dia'vante Brown (nicknamed the "Agent of Chaos", who had the only sack of the game for LU but just about started paying rent with as much time as he spent in the Eagles' backfield, leading with 1.5 TFL .
vs.
Alex Probert had another sterling sheet kicking the ball converting all 7 PAT attempts, plus a perfect 3-3 in FGs as well.

All in all, the Flames did exactly what most expected them to do in this one...win every phase of the game and come out on top in a big way.

The good guys can't be caught looking ahead to a huge matchup down in Alabama against Jacksonville State next weekend because an old foe who embarrassed the Flames during their playoff season in 2014 comes to call tomorrow:

 Indiana State 0-2 (0-0 Missouri Valley)

 vs.

 Liberty 2-0 (0-0 Independent)

Matchup

Location: Williams Stadium, Lynchburg, VA

Series: Third Meeting

Last Meeting: Indiana State 38-19 (09/27/2014)

Kickoff: 6:00 PM

Radio: The Journey FM Radio Network/Liberty Flames Sports Network (Liberty) Alan York play-by-play; WIBQ 97.9 FM/1230 AM/Indiana State Sycamore Radio Network (Indiana State) Luke Martin play-by-play

Television: Liberty Flames Sports Network/ESPN 3 Mike Tilley play-by-play

Coaches: Turner Gill (6th Season at Liberty 37-24 Record), Curt Mallory (1st Season at ISU 0-2 Record)Last Week: Liberty d. Morehead State 58-17, Indiana State L. #22 Tennessee 42-7

This year's seniors remember the visit to Terre Haute when Liberty was riding a three-game winning streak, including a win over a ranked Bryant squad, and in short...wet the bed in a big way. Mike Perish shredded the Flames' secondary, throwing for 340 yards and three TDs in thevictory for the Sycamores. Josh Woodrum finished with 308 yards, 2 TDs, but two crippling interceptions.

I spoke to Todd Golden from the Terre Haute Tribune-Star and he said one of the biggest aspects of their success is going to be getting more from their passing game. LeMonte Booker who rushed for only 10 yards in their last meeting as a redshirt freshman, is the lead back and focal point of their rushing attack, but they will need more from Cade Sparks, who supplanted 2016 starter, Isaac Harker.

Liberty is showing a level of explosiveness that wasn't as evident in the 2014 meeting so I expect them to put up a lot of points...I don't think the blue ISU will be able to keep up

Liberty 49
Indiana State 21

Fan the Fames Beat Writer Interview: Todd Golden (Indiana State)

I thought Id bring back a piece I did a few years ago and have a brief chat with the opponent's beat writer each week. This week we debut with a Todd Golden, sports editor and Indiana State beat writer for the Terre Haute Tribune Star:

 Fan The Flames:
Even though it's only two games in, what differences can you see between new coach Curt Mallory and previous coach Mike Sanford?

Todd Golden: 

 Big differences. One important one is the emphasis given to self-inflicted mistakes. ISU was very penalty-prone in recent seasons. Lip service was paid to fixing it, but it was never fixed. It's only two games, but so far? ISU has cut way down on penalties and just general self-inflicted errors.

Mallory runs different schemes too. The offense has gone from a spread to a set where emphasis is given to the running game via multiple players going in motion. The defensive scheme changed from a 4-2-5 to a true 4-3 as well.

FTF: 

Do you think the team was potentially caught looking ahead to the Tennessee matchup this past Saturday and that affected them in the second half of the EIU game two weeks ago?

 

TG: 

No. This team was picked last in the Missouri Valley Football Conference. It has no reason to look ahead to anyone. EIU isn't a bad team and ISU was going through its first game with its new systems. It doesn't surprise me that the Sycamores struggled.

FTF:

ISU used two different QBs in the EIU game and also the Tennessee game...which of the two (Isaac Harker or Cade Sparks), or perhaps neither, has asserted themselves as the starter going forward? Follow up question: Will we see both of them in Lynchburg?

TG: Cade Sparks played all of the meaningful snaps against Tennessee. He will most likely start against Liberty as well. Curt Mallory has said he likes his presence and inability to get rattled.

FTF:

How good is LeMonte Booker? Is he someone that we could see on Sunday next year?

TG: 
LeMonte Booker has played well in two games so far. He has both a speed and power element to his game and he's elusive. ISU used him out of multiple formations to disguise where he was coming from against the Volunteers. Too early to know whether he has a shot at the NFL, but he's off to a good (5 ypc) start.

FTF:

What's the matchup that we need to be watching this Saturday night?

TG:

Not a matchup, per se, but ISU needs to demonstrate progress in balancing its offense. It likes to run and it will run, but the Sycamores' passing game hasn't been a threat, and though its motion is hard to defend, it's much harder if ISU can sustain a passing game to really make things difficult. Offensive imbalance is one reason the Sycamores were 0-for-11 on third down conversions against the Vols.

FTF:

What do you think is the key for the Sycamores against the Flames who are coming off a huge win over Baylor two weeks ago?

TG: 

They have to play with some of the poise they demonstrated at Tennessee. Though its was a 42-7 loss, the Volunteers gradually put the Sycamores away, it wasn't an avalanche of points as some FBS vs. FCS games are. ISU's front seven, which has played well, needs to continue to stop the run and put pressure on the quarterback. Of course, avoidance of turnovers, creation of turnovers by the defense, etc., are all vital on the road.

Fan the Flames Game #2 Preview: Morehead State

What a start to the 2017 season! Last week, Liberty pulled off one of the upsets of the season, knocking off the Baylor Bears out of the Big 12 48-45.  Stephen "Buckshot" Calvert was firing on all cylinders, setting Big South and Liberty records, going 44/60 for 447 yards and three TDs, breaking three Flames records, including one of the oldest single game records in school history with his yardage total. The record belonged to Flames legend Phil Basso, who set the record in 1984.

Calvert wasn't the only player with a standout performance. Antonio Gandy-Golden finished with 13 catches for 192 yards and two of Calvert's three TDs after finishing with 21 catches  all of 2016. With top receiver BJ Farrow out due to eligibility questions, AGG swiftly became Buckshot's favorite target, giving Baylor's DBs fits all night, including outreaching a Bears defender for his second TD and give the Flames a lead they would not relinquish the rest of the night. Another receiver with a fine evening was senior Marquis Fitzgerald, who finished with 6 catches, equaling his total from all of last season.

A player I am particularly glad to see have a big game last week is Carrington Mosley, the former LCA star, who had a breakout 2016, finishing as the leading rusher as part of the three headed attack for the Flames. Mosley finished with 122 yards including a 36 yard run on the second play from scrimmage that set the tone for the rest of the game.

Alex Probert, the sophomore kicker, tied a school record with 4 field goals, which was a big step after struggling with his kicking at the Flames Fan Fest the week prior.

The biggest part of the win for Liberty was the fact that there were no turnovers, something the Flames struggled with often especially in FBS matchups (see UNC 2015).

ANother major aspect is something that you might not see on the boxscore and that is the pace of play. OC Joe Dailey has often spoke in 2016 of going with a faster, more uptempo style of play, but the offense proved to be much to vanilla. The Flames ran 103 plays totaling 585 yards of offense.


The Flames arrived Sunday morning after a delay in their return flight from Waco, but there is no rest for the weary as we look to the 2017 home opener

Morehead State 1-0 (0-0 Pioneer Football League)

vs.

Liberty 1-0 (0-0 FCS Independent)

The Flames welcome the Morehead State Eagles to Williams Stadium for the first time since 1990 on Saturday. The last meeting between the teams was in Morehead the next year.

Matchup

Location: Williams Stadium, Lynchburg, VA

Series: Ninth Meeting

Last Meeting: Morehead State 12-10 (10/5/1991)

Kickoff: 6:00 PM

Radio: The Journey FM Radio Network/Liberty Flames Sports Network (Liberty) Alan York play-by-play; WIVY FM/Morehead State Eagles Radio Network (Morehead State) Chuck Mraz play-by-play

Television: Liberty Flames Sports Network/ESPN 3 Mike Tilley play-by-play

Coaches: Turner Gill (6th Season at Liberty 36-24 Record), Rob Tenyer (5th season 19-28 Record)

Last Week: Liberty  d. Baylor (FBS) 48-45, Morehead State d. Kentucky Christian (NAIA) 56-14

Liberty got one of the biggest wins in program history in front of a national TV audience when they spoiled the debut of new Baylor head coach Matt Rhule down in Waco (if you want some entertainment, read the 30 page discussion on the SicEm365 forum from the game...unless youre a Baylor fan).
As I said earlier, there is no rest for the weary as the Flames returned from Waco on Sunday morning and set right to work preparing for the Eagles so that they do not suffer a hangover from all the excitement around the Baylor win.

The Flames have not lost a home opener since 2012 (Turner Gill's first year) and welcomed MSU's conference mate to Lynchburg with a 55-7 rout last fall. Top receiver BJ Farrow is out for this one while they still look into his eligibility concerns, as well as slot receiver Lionel McConnell, who was injured in the second half of the Baylor game.

Liberty is laser focused on this game especially after the Baylor game, because eyes will be watching. I expect a huge crowd especially from the students, who were all over campus after the Baylor win and that will buoy them to a dominating win

Liberty 59
Morehead State 14