1. New Leadership needs to step up

Not only did Liberty lose a lot of talent in key positions from last year, but they also lost all 4 team captains.

masha2. Quarterback can’t be a liability

Replacing a 4-year starter at any position is a challenging task, but doing so at quarterback is even more daunting. Stephon Masha doesn’t have to be a world-beater, but he can’t be a liability.

3. Stay healthy

It sounds like a copout, but it is reality. The Flames had a number of key injuries last season and has already lost a starter in the secondary this year (Wes Scott).

4. Win what you’re supposed to win

Losing to Gardner-Webb and Monmouth in 2015 derailed the season. With such a challenging schedule, the Flames need to take care of business against the teams it’s favored against.

5. Special teams

Special teams is always an important phase of the game and new Special Teams Coordinator Scott Downing should help elevate the Flames’ unit.

6. Create turnovers

In 2014, when the Flames had its best season in school history, Liberty was 3rd nationally in turnovers gained. Last season, LU was 99th in the country in turnovers gained.

7. Mature quickly

There won’t be much time for the young starters and contributors to grow up as the Flames face 2 FBS teams and the FCS runner-up in the season’s first 4 weeks.

10 Numbers to Know

by | July 11, 2016 | Football, top 10 countdown | 0 Comments

3,855 Career rushing yards gone with the graduations of D.J. Abnar & Des Rice 74 Tackles Nick Newman had in 2015, which led the team 44 Career games started by Josh Woodrum 38 Starts from returning offensive lineman in 2015 25 Consecutive starts by Hunter Winstead...
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9 Things to Know About Non-Conference Schedule

by | July 14, 2016 | Football, top 10 countdown | 0 Comments

1. 2016 marks the first time the Flames have ever played one of the premier teams in Virginia, as Liberty travels to Blacksburg to take on Virginia Tech. 2. The Hokies will be playing their first game under a head coach not named Frank Beamer in 30 seasons as Justin...
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8 things to know about the Big South

by | July 18, 2016 | Football, top 10 countdown | 0 Comments

1. Presbyterian, who finished 2-9 overall and 1-5 in the Big South last season, returns just one all-conference performer in running back Darrell Bridges. 2. Monmouth, who is in the 3rd year of its 4 year commitment with the league, returns quarterback Cody Williams...
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6 Players Poised for a breakout in 2016

by | July 27, 2016 | Football, top 10 countdown | 0 Comments

1. Stephon Masha The coaching staff is clearly counting on Masha to make a huge leap this season as he has been picked as a captain and a team representative for media day. Much of the team’s success will fall on his shoulders. 2. Todd Macon In the time Macon has...
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5 positions to watch during camp

by | August 1, 2016 | Football, top 10 countdown | 0 Comments

With fall practice beginning one week from today, here's a look at 5 positions to watch. 1. Quarterback Stephon Masha was named the starting quarterback at the end of the spring, but that was before Buckshot Calvert arrived on the scene. While Stephon is still likely...
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4 Bold Predictions for the 2016 Season

by | August 4, 2016 | Football, top 10 countdown | 2 Comments

1. Juwan Wells will lead the Big South in sacks. As a true freshman, Wells recorded 5 sacks last season including 3 in the final 2 games. With Wells expected to be a major contributor from the beginning of the season, his numbers will increase significantly. 2. Damian...
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3 Reasons 2016 is the most important season at LU for Gill

by | August 9, 2016 | Football, top 10 countdown | 0 Comments

1. No more room for error. Losing to Monmouth AND Gardner-Webb in the same season is unacceptable. If something similar happens this season, there will be significant changes made within the football program. 2. No more excuses for not winning Big South auto-bid. With...
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2 Ways to get into the playoffs

by | August 11, 2016 | Football, top 10 countdown | 1 Comment

Here are the 2 most likely scenarios for the Flames to get into the playoffs in 2016: 1. Win the Big South auto-bid. It’s pretty simple, but has been difficult for Liberty to accomplish. Take care of business in the Big South and the Flames will be dancing. This...
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1 Reason 2016 Will Be Special

by | August 17, 2016 | Football, top 10 countdown | 0 Comments

Today, we reach the conclusion of this particular season preview countdown. Dating back to the first post over a month ago, 10 numbers to know, we’ve looked at various storylines entering the 2016 season. (A link to all of the previous 9 entries is at the end of this...
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