Despite the team’s 8-0 start to the season, Liberty remains just on the outside of the Top 25 polls ahead of the Flames’ game against Louisiana Tech on Saturday.
The Flames picked up a big win over Western Kentucky, 42-29, on Tuesday night to improve to 6-0 in CUSA play. With that win, Liberty clinched a spot in the CUSA Championship game.
Liberty opened as a 17-point favorite against Louisiana Tech. The two CUSA foes will meet on Saturday at Williams Stadium in Lynchburg, Virginia at 6 p.m. on CBS Sports Network. Tuesday’s game will mark the 9th 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 47 points in the AP Top 25 poll this week and are effectively ranked No. 28 and just three spots outside of the Top 25. In the Coaches’ poll, the Flames received 15 votes and are ranked No. 33.
The Flames are now just one of eight remaining unbeaten teams in the country. All other unbeaten teams are currently ranked in the Top 25. Georgia, Michigan, Ohio State, Florida State, and Washington are all undefeated and ranked No. 1 through No. 5. Air Force is ranked No. 17 and James Madison is at No. 23 as both are also unbeaten.
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. Liberty has been ranked in three of the last four seasons.
