For the third time in four seasons, Liberty has been ranked in the Associated Press Top 25 poll as the Flames checked in at No. 25 in the updated poll released on Sunday.
The Flames picked up a win over Louisiana Tech, 56-30, on Saturday night to improve to 7-0 in CUSA play. With that win, Liberty clinched home field in the CUSA Championship game scheduled for Friday, Dec. 1.
Liberty opened as a 13.5-point favorite against ODU. The two Commonwealth of Virginia foes will meet on Saturday at Williams Stadium in Lynchburg, Virginia at 1 p.m. on ESPN+. Saturday’s game will mark the 10th consecutive game where the Flames have been listed as a favorite to open the 2023 season under first year head coach Jamey Chadwell.
Liberty received 85 points in the AP Top 25 poll this week and are ranked No. 25. In the Coaches’ poll, the Flames received 50 votes and are effectively ranked No. 30, up from 15 votes and a ranking of No. 33 last wee.
The Flames are now just one of seven remaining unbeaten teams in the country after Air Force lost on Saturday. Georgia, Michigan, Ohio State, Florida State, and Washington are all undefeated and ranked No. 1 through No. 5. The other unbeaten, James Madison, is at No. 21 in this week’s poll.
Liberty spent two weeks ranked in the Top 25 poll last season, rising as high as No. 19. The Flames first entered the FBS Top 25 poll during the 2020 season and climbed to as high as No. 17 at the end of the season following the team’s 10-1 record.
