#22 Liberty (3-3, 0-1) and Monmouth (2-4, 0-1) try to get back on track by picking up their first conference win this Saturday in New Jersey. Kickoff is scheduled for 1pm.
Why Monmouth can win this game
The Flames have repeatedly shown their weakness at stopping opposing teams with a running quarterback. Say hello to Cody Williams. Williams is more of a pocket passer than what Liberty faced last week against Gardner-Webb, as he is throwing for 173 passing yards per game. But he also has the ability to run the football as well as Williams is 2nd on the team in rushing with 33 rushing yards per game.
The Hawks have been banged up this season, so their play has been pretty inconsistent, but they are expected to have a couple players back this week including cornerback Marcus Leslie.
Monmouth has nothing to lose. Meanwhile, Liberty is feeling the need to play “perfect” to keep their playoff hopes alive. If the Hawks are able to keep the game close, they will be able to play free of mind late in the game while the Flames could tighten up.
Why Liberty can win this game
The biggest issue this season for the Flames has been mental preparation and motivation. Well, motivation won’t be an issue this week. If Liberty loses, as several players mentioned this week, their Big South Championship and FCS playoff chances go up in Flames.
Liberty is on a trend this season – win, loss, win, loss, win, loss. So, they’re due for another win this week to keep that trend going.
For the first time in 4 weeks, the Flames are facing a team that is not coming off a bye. Monmouth does not have an extra week of preparation to put in any new schemes or wrinkles against Liberty.
X-Factor for this game
Liberty’s Defense.
Monmouth likes to spread defenses out and run out of the spread. As mentioned, the Flames’ defense has struggled against similar type attacks the past couple of seasons (Gardner-Webb, Southern Illinois, etc.) If Liberty’s defense can hold the Hawks’ in check, particularly on the ground, the Flames should return to the win column this weekend.
