Liberty (6-3, 2-0) returns home on Saturday for a 3:30 kickoff against Monmouth (5-3, 0-2). The Flames have won the only meeting with the Hawks which was last season, 45-15.
Why Monmouth can win this game
The Hawks’ passing offense is tops in the Big South as they throw for 260 yards per game. Monmouth is led by their senior quarterback Brandon Hill who has thrown for over 255 yards per game and 16 touchdowns and 6 interceptions this season.
Prior to their last 2 games, Monmouth was the top scoring offense in the conference. The Hawks have scored 50 or more points in 3 games this season.
They will play like the team we saw in the first 6 games of the season when the Hawks had a 5-1 record and an explosive offense, and not like the team we saw in their first 2 Big South games.
Why Liberty can win this game
Woodrum threw for 237 yards and 2 TDs against Monmouth last season
Look back to last season’s game. The Flames totally dominated Monmouth from the opening kickoff. Liberty led 45-6 entering the 4th quarter.
The Flames’ defense has really stepped it up in conference play. In Big South play, Liberty has the top scoring defense (allowing 3.5 points per game). LU also is #1 in total defense, pass defense, and rush defense.
On the flip side, Monmouth has really struggled since entering Big South conference play. The Hawks have scored just 12 total points in their first 2 games against Presbyterian and Charleston Southern. PC and CSU has held them to 33 rushing yards per game.
X-Factor for this game
Defensive line play.
The Flames’ strength up front was evident last season from the opening series of the game when Monmouth was unable to move the line off the goal line, resulting in a safety. Liberty’s defensive line would go on to record 5.5 tackles for loss and 3 sacks on the day. If the Flames get the same level of play out of their defensive front this week, the result should be the same.
