AGG AND NFL HAVE EACH OTHER’S ATTENTION

Liberty wide receiver Antonio Gandy-Golden currently sits in 2nd place in the country with 945 receiving yards, as he’s just shy of becoming the first player in school history to surpass the 1,000 receiving yard mark in three straight seasons.

The 6’4″ Dallas, Georgia native has drawn the eyes of NFL scouts. Not a week goes by when the Flames are playing at Williams Stadium that there isn’t at least one scout in attendance. Last week at Rutgers, there were scouts from five NFL teams (Philadelphia Eagles, New York Jets, Buffalo Bills, Tennessee Titans and San Francisco 49ers) keeping close tabs on him against the Big Ten opponent.

“I know they did communicate with some of my coaches and other people on the sidelines,” Gandy-Golden said. “I saw them there, but I try not to pay them too much attention. I just make sure I stay locked in.”

He finished the game with five receptions for 68 yards, including a highlight reel touchdown catch that he caught with one hand despite being interfered with on the play.

HUGH FREEZE & WALT BELL CONNECTION

First-year head coaches at their respective institutions, Hugh Freeze and Walt Bell have been acquaintances for several years. Both spent time at Arkansas State, Freeze first as offensive coordinator and then head coach, followed by Bell who was also the Sun Belt’s school offensive coordinator shortly after Freeze left. They also spent some time together during the two years Freeze spent away from coaching and was doing some work as a consultant.

“I spent a day with Walt when he was at Florida State,” said Freeze. “I went down and spent some time with them. I was really impressed. I didn’t really do a whole lot other than listen. I’d throw in a thought here and there. Walt knows what to do offensively. I’m really impressed with watching his team on film.”

During his lone season at FSU as offensive coordinator, Bell worked under head coach Willie Taggart. Taggart and Freeze went against each other in the Sun Belt when Taggart was at Western Kentucky from 2010-2012 while Freeze was at Arkansas State in 2010 and 2011. Freeze and the Red Wolves beat Western Kentucky, 26-22, in 2011.

DEFENSIVE DEPTH WILL BE CHALLENGED THIS WEEK

The Flames are once again facing several injuries on the defensive side of the ball this week. In addition to Liberty planning on redshirting defensive linemen Brayden Monday, William Green, and Devonte Lloyd, the Flames could also be without linebackers Solomon Ajayi and Brandon Tillmon, defensive lineman Austin Lewis, and safety Javon Scruggs this week.

“Depth is going to be a factor,” Freeze said. “We’re going to have to get our two deep ready with kids that haven’t played a lot of snaps this year, and then, hopefully by Saturday, some of these that are on the day-to-day list will be able to be added bonuses to us.”

This comes on the heels of the defense’s two worst performances this year, giving up 44 points each to Maine and Rutgers. Freeze and defensive coordinator Scott Symons are also attempting to limit some key defender’s reps as well, guys like Ralfs Rusins and Jessie Lemonier.

“We’ve got to find a way to improve our awareness of the importance of 3rd down on defense and figure out a way to get off the field a few times early in the game to give them some confidence,” Freeze added.

FLAMES EVALUATING KICK RETURN

True freshman Shedro Louis has quickly made an impact in the kick return game for the Flames. He’s currently ranked 13th in the country in kickoff returns averaging 27.5 yards per return, including one he took back to the house against Maine two weeks ago. Louis was injured in the game against the Black Bears, forcing him to miss this past week’s game at Rutgers. It hurt Liberty as Ceneca Espinoza fumbled twice on kick returns, losing one in a critical situation.

“It’s already been evaluated,” Freeze said in his weekly press conference of the kick return game. “I hope Shedro can go, first and foremost, and believe he has a legitimate chance to. Troy Henderson is going to catch kicks this week and, I think that’s who it will be provided he can catch them. That’s my plan going into it.”

Henderson did not factor into the kick return game at Rutgers. Instead, the Flames went with Espinoza primarily while Treon Sibley and Joshua Mack also got opportunities.

FLAMES EXPECTING TO SCORE LOTS OF POINTS SATURDAY

UMass is the worst scoring defense in the country, allowing over 50 points per game through the first 8 games of their 2019 season. With Liberty’s defense struggling the last two weeks, points can be expected to be scored in bunches. The two teams combined for over 1,100 yards and 121 points in their meeting last year.

“I would expect us to be able to score some points,” said Freeze. “That’s what our goal will need to be. We will have to score a considerable amount of points to win this game, I believe.”

Liberty has scored 93 combined points in its last two games, coming out of the bye week scorching hot on offense. Meanwhile, the Minutemen have allowed 44 or more points in all except one game this season.

“Coach Freeze already talked to me about how we’re going to have to pick up the tempo and try to string together as many drives as we can to get as many points on the board as we can,” Buckshot Calvert said. “That’s our objective – to go out there move the ball fast and put upas many points on the board as we have to.”

LIBERTY HOPING FOR SOME PAYBACK

UMass and Liberty will soon become familiar acquaintances. The teams met for the first time ever last year, it what will be the first of eight scheduled meetings between the two FBS Independents. Last year, UMass came from behind to win in triple overtime after trailing by two touchdowns midway through the 4th quarter.

“They snuck away with one, definitely a bitter taste in our mouths,” Calvert said of last year’s loss. “The guys that have been out there, they definitely want to change the outcome that was last year. Definitely a chip on our shoulder to go there, handle our business, and come out with a win.”

Buckshot threw four interceptions in the game including one in the third overtime. He has just three interceptions so far this season and has thrown 209 passes since his last pick on September 7th at Louisiana.

“That’s something I definitely don’t want to have happen again,” Buckshot said of the four interceptions against UMass last season.