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 RecordLast Week: Liberty l. Jacksonville State 31-10, Saint Francis l. Towson 16-14
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