Liberty’s football team sits at 4-3 heading into the bye week of their inaugural FBS season. We analyzed the team’s performance thus far to create a report card for the Flames as they prepare to visit Massachusetts on Nov. 3.
Quarterback: A
Stephen Buckshot Calvert continues to climb LU’s school record book. He’s thrown for 2256 yards this season with 16 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. Aside from an occasional tendency to force throws into tight coverage, Buckshot has been everything Liberty expected him to be in 2018.
Running Backs: B-
The platoon of Frankie Hickson, Peyton Pickett, and Kentory Matthews has been fairly reliable when called upon in Liberty’s pass-heavy offense. LU’s running game, which is currently ranked 95th out of 130 FBS teams, will hopefully get a boost from the return of the injured Matthews in the final month of the season. Matthews has missed four games since exiting early vs. North Texas on Sept. 22.
Wide Receivers: A
Liberty’s receiving corps continues to be the backbone of Joe Dailey’s offense. The Flames’s deep, experienced group of receivers is led by Antonio Gandy-Golden. Gandy-Golden leads the team in catches, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns despite missing the Oct. 13 matchup vs. Troy.
Offensive Line: C+
Liberty’s offensive line has surrendered 14 sacks on the year. Despite his impressive numbers, Buckshot has seen plenty of pressure this season, but the offensive line has provided ample running room for the Flames’ backs.
Defensive Line: D+
LU’s defensive line has struggled to stop opposing rushing attacks and put consistent pressure on quarterbacks. The Flames allow around 145 rushing yards per game, good for 94th of 130 teams. Liberty is also 78th in sacks. We have seen improvement the past two weeks with the defensive line being able to get in the opponents’ backfield to create some havoc. Hopefully this improvement will continue, and the 2nd half of the season the d-line will have a much improved grade.
Linebackers: C+
The linebackers have dealt with injuries and illnesses throughout the first half of the season, but Solomon Ajayi has solidified himself as a leader among the unit. His 42 tackles are 2nd on the team, while he’s also recorded 3 tackles for loss..
Defensive Secondary: C+
Liberty’s secondary is #55 among FBS teams for interceptions and #87 in total pass defense. Not bad, but not outstanding either. JUCO transfers Bejour Wilson and Isaac Steele have greatly impacted this unit, combining for 5 of the team’s 7 interceptions this year.
Special Teams: C-
Compared to other FBS schools, the Flames are pretty average in kickoff returns, punt returns, and punting. In overall special teams efficiency and field goals, they’re near the very bottom. Aidan Alves’ up and down season is well documented, and Aaron Peart has done solid in Alex Probert’s absence.
Conclusion: 4-3 at the bye week isn’t bad for a first-year FBS school. The Flames have held their own against some good teams, but unfortunately, the remainder of the schedule isn’t going to get much easier. If the Flames hope to hang with teams such as Auburn and Virginia, they’ll need to improve their defensive and special teams play.
