#18 Liberty (2-2) continues their 4 game road swing as the Flames head to Atlanta to take on Sun Belt member Georgia State. Kickoff at the Georgia Dome is scheduled for 3:30.
Why Georgia State can win this game
The Panthers have struggled in recent seasons, so this doesn’t have the potential of an FBS team taking an FCS team lightly. Georgia State has just 3 wins combined in their past 4 seasons. They won’t be sleeping on the Flames.
GSU is coming off a bye week and has had two weeks to prepare for their homecoming matchup with the Flames. They will be healthy, rested, and prepared.
Senior wide receiver Donovan Harden is expected to return to action this weekend after missing the first 3 games of the year after breaking his foot in early August. Harden led the Panthers last year with 60 receptions for 885 yards.
The Panthers were the beneficiary of several transfers this offseason, including 6 from UAB. One of those transfers from UAB, Alonzo McGee is already leaving his mark on the Panthers’ defense. In 3 games, McGee leads the team with 6 tackles for loss and 2 sacks.
Why Liberty can win this game
The Flames have struggled against opposing quarterbacks who are just as potent running the ball as they are passing. Well, Georgia State’s Nick Arbuckle, while a capable QB, is not your dual-threat signal caller. Arbuckle has thrown for over 300 yards per game in the first 3 contests this season, but he has -12 rushing yards.
Liberty will have confidence in this game. The Flames beat Appalachian State a season ago, and will believe they can beat the Panthers this week.
Motivation won’t be an issue like it was a week ago. This game is a must win if the Flames want to secure an at-large bid for the playoffs. Plus, coming off a loss and proving they can compete with Sun Belt teams will have the team focused.
X-Factor for this game
Liberty’s run game.
The Flames have been held under 100 rushing yards in each of its last 3 games. The last time that happened was in 2005 when Liberty finished the season 1-10 before Ken Karcher was fired. In order to beat an FBS team, the running game needs to get on track. They don’t have to run for 250 yards, but gaining enough yards on the ground to keep the defense honest is crucial.
