This is a series taking a look at the teams on Liberty’s 2023 schedule. It will be run over the next month, and we move to a quick turnaround for the Flames as they travel to Alabama to take on Jacksonville State.
Previous:
Bowling Green
New Mexico State
at Buffalo
at FIU
Sam Houston
When
Week 7, Oct. 10, 7:30 p.m. (ESPNU)
Location
Burgess-Snow Field at JSU Stadium – Jacksonville, AL
Last year’s record
9-2, 5-0 ASUN (1st)
Coach
Rich Rodriguez, 9-2 in one year
Returning starters
16 (nine on offense, seven on defense)
Post-Spring SP+ Ranking
They are 123rd in Bill Connelly’s SP+ rankings after the spring. They’re 92nd on offense and 132nd on defense.
Jacksonville State story line
The Gamecocks have been one of the best FCS programs for several years now, and Liberty has experience against them, losing by large margins in the home and home series just prior to the Flames’ move up to the FCS. Now, under head coach Rich Rodriguez, Jacksonville State will be looking to make a smooth transition to the FBS. They return plenty of firepower and will look to surprise in their first season in Conference USA.
A Liberty win would mean
This will be a very challenging game for the Flames, coming on just a five day break from the previous game against Sam Houston in Lynchburg. Add the travel, and it will be a tough short week for Liberty. In the middle part of the season, this could be a crucial game for the Flames’ CUSA championship race.
A Liberty loss would mean
A loss would be disappointing, coming against a first year FBS team, but it is one that could be overcome depending on how the rest of the season plays out leading up to this game. Liberty has struggled against the Gamecocks in their previous meetings, and this will be a tough challenge for the Flames despite the preseason expectations for JSU which they are likely to exceed.
Up next
vs Middle Tennessee
