Fan the Flames Beat Writer Interview: Bye Week Part 2 (Liberty)

Liberty came up on the short end of a 31-24 score in Provo last week in front of a national TV audience on ESPNU against BYU. Despite the loss, Liberty presented themselves very well against a very good Cougars team and still position themselves for a possible bowl game invitation with two games remaining.

With Liberty on a rare second bye week, I had a chance to chat with Jon Manson from A Sea of Red, another independent website about Liberty Athletics. You can check out their outstanding content at www.aseaofred.com. Here is what he had to say:

Fan the Flames:Thanks for taking the time to chat on this bye week. As Liberty heads into the final games of the season (next week against UVa and the finale against New Mexico State), would it be fair to say that Liberty has played above expectations, met expectations or below expectations in the first year under Hugh Freeze?
Jon Manson, A Sea of Red: The Flames have met expectations so far. They've won the games they were supposed to win and lost the ones they were expected to lose. The team's performance against BYU was better than expected, and the Flames still have a chance to exceed expectations with a win at Virginia next week. Most that follow Liberty closely would have predicted a 7-5 record prior to the season, as I did, and that is certainly the most likely finish for the team.
FTF: Despite a rough stretch the first two games against Syracuse and Louisiana (the former of who has seen quite a downturn following their very successful season a year ago), Buckshot Calvert has just about claimed every career passing record Liberty has to offer (save completion percentage and passing efficiency) and just about every single season passing record as well. Where would he (or should he) rank in the pantheon of all-time Liberty quarterbacks?
ASOR: He's the best ever. I don't see how you can make the case for someone else with all he's done. Plus, he's done it the past two years against FBS competition. The season he's having this year, is one that could be considered the best single season by a Liberty quarterback ever. It's just that he's being overshadowed by the greatness that is AGG.
FTF: Liberty needs a single win in the remaining two games to claim bowl eligibility for 2019. What do you think the team's mindset is heading into a very difficult venue in Charlottesville next week to begin this final two game stretch?
ASOR: They will be laser focused and expecting a win. Liberty proved against BYU it can compete with most teams and Virginia is no different.
FTF: Would this season be considered a success even without a bowl victory or bowl appearance?
ASOR: Without a bowl victory, certainly. Without a bowl appearance, it would leave a sour taste in everyone's mouths. If the Flames finish 6-6 that would be a huge let down, but getting to 7-5 should be seen as a success even if Liberty doesn't get a bowl invite.
FTF: What sort of performance do you think Antonio Gandy-Golden will need not only in these last two games, but also in the Senior Bowl and in a likely trip to the NFL Scouting Combine next year to cement himself on day one or early on day two of the NFL Draft?
ASOR: I don't think the last two games matter too much. If he were going against like first or second round pick Bryce Hall against Virginia, that would be a huge test, but Hall is out with an injury. The Senior Bowl will be huge for him. A good performance there and he will be sitting pretty for a first or second day selection.
FTF: With the recent changes at head coach at both Florida State and Arkansas, two Power 5 programs, Hugh Freeze's name has come up as a possible candidate. Do you think he would jump ship at one of those or another Power 5 head coaching position should it come up in this offseason?
ASOR:  If he's offered an SEC head coaching job this offseason, yes I would expect him to leave, but I don't think he will be offered a head coaching job at an SEC school this offseason.
FTF: Who are players that we need to watch out for as we come to the close of the 2019 season heading into the offseason and looking at 2020?
ASOR: Quarterback and wide receiver will be the biggest question marks. How will Malik Willis and Johnathan Bennett fare at QB, and who could step in to try to help soften the loss of AGG. But no reason to talk about 2020 right now, there's still plenty to play for this year. Buckshot and AGG don't walk in the door every day.

Fan the Flames Football Preview Game #10: BYU

Matchup

Location:LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo, UT

Series:  First Meeting

Last Meeting: First Meeting

Kickoff: 7:30 p.m.

Radio: The Journey FM Radio Network/Liberty Flames Sports Network (Liberty) Alan York play-by-play; BYU Sports Network, Greg Wrubell play-by-play

Television: ESPNU, Mike Corey play-by-play

Coaches: Hugh Freeze (First season at Liberty 6-3 record) , Kalani Sitake (Fourth season at BYU 24-23 record)

Last Week: Liberty d. Massachusetts 63-21, BYU d. Utah State 42-14

BYU is one of the best known independent programs in FBS next to Notrre Dame, though the Cougars have only been an independent since 2011 after a lengthy membership in the Mountain West Conference as well as its precursor, the WAC. BYU has a pair of very athletic quarterbacks Jaren Hall and Baylor Romney (nephew to former presidential candidate and current US Senator from Utah Mitt Romney), both of whom have seen time for the Cougars after sophomore Zach Wilson, who began the season as the starter, went down with an injury against Toledo. Expect both to be in action tonight under the lights tonight.

For Liberty to have a chance in this game, they will need to play very much like they did against Baylor in 2017...fast. Get the ball out of Buckshot's hands quickly and into his playmakers in AGG, Noah Frith, Kevin Shaa and others. Also, they will need a bigger contribution from the run game as well.

I expect BYU to win this game, but I picked Baylor when Liberty went down to Waco, and I would not be surprised to see the Flames shock a national TV audience once again and punch their ticket to a bowl game this holiday season.

Liberty 28
BYU 52