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.

We now turn our attention to a home date at Williams Stadium against UTEP as the Miners make their first ever trek to Lynchburg.

UTEP

  • When: Saturday, Sep. 14 at Williams Stadium in Lynchburg (6 p.m. ESPN+)
  • Last year’s record: 3-9, 2-6 CUSA (t-6th)
  • Coach: Scotty Walden, first year at UTEP
  • 2024 SP+ ranking: 126th
  • Series History: Liberty leads, 1-0

Last Meeting: Nov. 25, 2023: Liberty concluded the regular season at 12-0, marking the first ever perfect regular season in program history. The Flames utilized its nation’s leading rushing attack with 441 of 496 total offensive yards coming on the ground.

Program History:

National Championships: 0

Conference Championships: 2

Bowl Record: 5-10

Last Bowl Appearance: 2021 – New Mexico Bowl vs. Fresno State 31-24 loss

It was a disappointing 2023 for the UTEP Miners, limping to a 3-9 season after many thought they would compete near the top of the CUSA. It led to head coach Dana Dimel’s dismissal.

Scotty Walden takes over in El Paso, coming from Austin Peay. He also brought 10 transfers with him from the Governors to UTEP, including QB Skyler Locklear who is competing for the starting QB job.

The Miners and Walden’s first two games are at Nebraska and against Southern Utah before they head to Liberty, so we may not know much about this year’s UTEP team when they take the field at Williams Stadium.

What’s at Stake?

It might take some time for Walden to get things going at UTEP, but that is a program that should be on the rise in CUSA over the next couple of years. But, them having to come to Lynchburg early in the season against the heavy league favorites is a tall ask. The Flames should be heavy favorites and will need this win to continue to compete for the 2024 CUSA championship.

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