We have begun our series of an early look ahead to the teams on Liberty’s 2024 schedule. We will give a quick preview of all 12 teams that stand in the Flames’ way of a second straight unbeaten season as second-year head coach Jamey Chadwell prepares his team to defend its 2023 CUSA title.

Liberty will conclude the regular season on Black Friday in Huntsville, Texas against the Sam Houston Bearkats. What will be on the line for the Flames in this contest?

Sam Houston

  • When: Friday, Nov. 29 at Bowers Stadium in Huntsville, Texas (3:30 p.m. CBSSN)
  • Last year’s record: 3-9, 2-6 CUSA (t-6th)
  • Coach: KC Keeler, 88-36 in 10 years at Sam Houston
  • 2024 SP+ ranking: 108th
  • Series History: Liberty leads, 1-0

Last Meeting: Oct. 5, 2023: Liberty’s defense made a last-play goal line stand to secure a 21-16 win over Sam Houston and keep the unbeaten season alive. Facing a first and goal at the three, Liberty corner Kobe Singleton recorded two pass breakups, including his last on a fourth down throw to the end zone, ending the game. CJ Daniels had 5 catches for a career-high 157 yards including a 51 yard touchdown score.

Program History:

National Championships: 2 (NAIA & FCS)

Conference Championships: 15

Bowl Record: 0-0

Last Bowl Appearance: N/A

KC Keeler is a veteran and proven coach. He guided Sam Houston to the FCS playoffs six times and won the FCS National Title. He also led Delaware to an FCS National Championship in 2003.

Last year was a tough year as the Bearkats began the year 0-8 with 4 close losses. They did finish 3-1 in the last four to gain some momentum heading into 2024.

Many think Sam Houston could be a sleeper team and finish in the middle of the pack in CUSA this season. They have 12 returning starters and a bowl game is within the realm of realistic outcomes.

There are questions at quarterback, but two capable newcomers could answer those. Hunter Watson led Iowa Western to a JUCO national title last year as he threw for 1,904 yards, 22 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions. Jase Bauer made 9 starts at Central Michigan last year where he threw for 1,881 yards, 12 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions.

The defense was the strength of the team last year, but Sam Houston only returns four starters on that side of the ball.

What’s at Stake?

It’s nearly impossible to try and prognosticate what could be on the line for a game at the end of the regular season here in July. Could Sam Houston be playing for their first ever bowl game and that crucial 6th win? Will the Flames need a win to clinch a spot or maybe home field advantage in the CUSA title game? Will Liberty be unbeaten and in striking range of the CFP as the highest ranked G5 conference champ? All of those things could be in play when Liberty spends Thanksgiving in Texas later this year.

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