Liberty returns to Williams Stadium for Saturday’s Homecoming contest against former Big South rival Gardner-Webb. To help us get a preview of this year’s Runnin’ Bulldogs, we caught up with GWU radio play by play announcer Dave Friedman.
What is the overall feeling surrounding the season within the program thus far and its fans on expectations for the year?
Dave Friedman: Going in to last week Gardner-Webb was tied with Harvard for the most difficult schedule in the country. Playing three FBS teams is sort of crazy, but what happens when teams leave your conference late, and there aren’t a lot of scheduling options. Aside from the Mercer game, where Gardner-Webb was short-handed and played very poorly, they have been competitive or better each week. Shutting out Robert Morris to begin league play certainly gives the program confidence. They believe that winning the Big South is a realistic goal. For a program that hasn’t had a winning season since 2013, there is no question that the level of talent is improved over the last several seasons, and expectations are higher.
What has been your feeling/evaluation of Bailey Fisher thus far and what is the expectation for his production in this game?
DF: Bailey Fisher played for coach Tre Lamb at Tennessee Tech. A year after Lamb left the Golden Eagle program for Gardner-Webb, Fisher followed. Bailey has played in over 40 college games. He has great moxie and guile. He’s a gamer with incredible self-belief. When healthy he is a dual threat. Over his career he has thrown for over 8,000 yards, run for more than 1,000 yards, and accounted for over 80 TD’s. He gets about as much as possible from a 5’11” and 210 pound frame. He’s the leader of the team, and if given time in the pocket makes good decisions. If Gardner-Webb can hold their own at the point of attack, Fisher will excel. If the OL struggles, it is bad news for the Dogs.
Who do you consider to be the biggest X factor on the Gardner-Webb offense besides the quarterback? How about for the defense?
DF: Running Back Narii Gaither is Gardner-Webb’s best player. He was the preseason Big South Offensive Player of the Year, and one of two guys in the country returning after leading their teams in rushing yards and receptions. He played about half of the opener, an easy win against D2 Limestone. He was injured early in the tight loss at Coastal Carolina in Week 2. Gaither missed three games before returning last week against Robert Morris. Not only is he the team’s top weapon, but he is the best they have at picking up pressure, leaking out to catch passes, and just about anything else Coach Lamb could ask for. On defense Ty French is a Bud Dupree sort of hybrid pass rushing end/outside linebacker. Like Gaither, French was a Preseason All American. On his best days he lives in the backfield and creates havoc. Against Marshall this year he had 11 tackles, 2 sacks, 3 hurries, and a forced fumble.
What position group/player has been underwhelming in production this season?
DF: Gardner-Webb is a little thin at cornerback. Raquon Ousley has stepped up to be pretty reliable, but they have tried several guys opposite him with varying success. They are young and inconsistent at corner.
What player has surpassed expectations and has been breaking out this season?
DF: Two new linebackers to the program, Brendan Jackson and Ty Anderson, have really made a difference. Jackson is a transfer from Savannah State. He plays in the middle and moves well downhill. Anderson is a freshman, a top recruit, who has transitioned nicely to the college game.
Where do you think the Flames will struggle the most against this team?
DF: I haven’t fully dove in on Liberty yet (it’s only Monday) but if Gardner-Webb’s offensive line holds up, the Dogs offense can be potent. Fisher has a deep play threat in TJ Luther, a strong possession receiver with Cutrell Haywood, and Gaither needs to always be accounted for. Tre Lamb played quarterback, is the son of a coach, worked for his uncle, a longtime coach, and is the play designer and play caller. He always has something up his sleeve and isn’t afraid to roll the dice.
What are you personally most excited to see in this matchup?
DF: It comes down to the trenches. Gardner-Webb went man-to-man with Coastal Carolina, and had a shot to win at the end. Marshall dominated the Dogs at the point of attack, and while GWU hung around, they couldn’t sustain drives. If Liberty, with more scholarships and resources and size, can push the Dogs around, they will win. If line play is a wash, and Charlie Brewer doesn’t return, it could be a game in the fourth quarter.
