Liberty begins its 2016 campaign with one of the biggest games in the history of the program as the Flames head down the highway to Blacksburg to take on the Virginia Tech Hokies.
Turner Gill and his squad have plenty to prove after a disappointing 2015 season. Likewise, new Virgina Tech head coach Justin Fuente has big shoes to fill after the departure of Hokie legend Frank Beamer.
WHY VIRGINIA TECH CAN WIN THIS GAME
While the Flames have always shown the ability to elevate their game when competing against BCS foes, Liberty has yet to win a game against an ACC opponent.
On the flip side, Fuente has won his last two games against FCS opponents by a combined score of 126-7.
Tech also has the advantage of playing at Lane Stadium, one of the loudest venues in college football.
WHY LIBERTY CAN WIN THIS GAME
Virginia Tech has a bit of a reputation of playing down to lesser opponents, highlighted by a loss to James Madison in 2010.
With the Battle for Bristol coming up next Saturday, it would not be much of a surprise if Virgina Tech treats this matchup against the Flames as a dress rehearsal for Tennessee.
The Hokies have named JUCO transfer Jerod Evans the starting quarterback and he will be making his first D1 this Saturday against Liberty. A little stage fright could help Liberty push the momentum in their direction early.
X-FACTOR: PASS DEFENSE
Tech is said to be making the transition to the spread offense in 2016. If Liberty has any chance at completing the upset in Blacksburg, the Flames will need to show significant improvement over what proved to be a weakness for the team in 2015.
SCORE PREDICTION:
VT: 42
LU: 13
