hagenLU’s struggles in close games
After Liberty’s double overtime loss this past weekend to Richmond, I had the thought that it seems LU always loses close games. So, I went back and did some research. In Coach Gill’s first 2+ seasons at Liberty (29 games), Liberty is 0-4 in games decided by 5 points or less and 3-8 in games decided by 10 points or less.

I then compared this to what the Flames did in the same circumstances under former head coach Danny Rocco. In games decided by 5 points or less while Rocco was head coach Liberty was 4-8 and 10-14 in games decided by 10 points or less.

Will these numbers ever improve? One can only hope as all these heartbreaking losses are too much to stomach.

First GPI released
The first Gridiron Power Index (GPI) was released this week with North Dakota State again at #1. Coastal Carolina checks in at #7 and Liberty is #37. A few other notable teams and their rankings:

Coastal is ranked #7 in the GPI

  • #11 Indiana State
  • #24 Richmond
  • #38 Bryant
  • #41 Monmouth
  • #46 Charleston So.
  • #66 Presbyterian
  • #81 Gardner-Webb
  • #93 Norfolk State

Also of note, the Big South is currently ranked as the 2nd best conference in the country behind only the Missouri Valley. The BSC ranks ahead of the Big Sky, the CAA, and the Southland. The conference has definitely had their best nonconference performance, as a whole, in the history of the league. If Coastal sweeps conference play to claim the auto-bid, the Big South could be held to just 1 playoff team. That would be noteworthy if they maintain their ranking as a top 2-3 conference.

Turnovers
Turnovers always seem to be the fallback answer when someone is asked to identify a key in any particular game, especially close games. Well, for Liberty this season, it is the truth. In the Flames’ 3 wins this season, they have committed a grand total of 0 turnovers. Zero. In their 3 losses, they have 11 turnovers and are -5 in turnover margin in those 3 games. It’s tough to win on the road or at home in a pick ’em game when losing the turnover battle that badly.

App’s FG issues
Appalachian State’s kicker Zach Matics is just 1-for-5 on field goals this season. He has missed 4 straight with his only make coming from 31 yards against Campbell. His misses have come from 34, 36, 42, and 43 yards. This is Matics’ first year as ASU’s field goal kicker. He is a redshirt junior, and exclusively handled the Mountaineers’ kickoff duties last season. In a game with a spread of 3.5, this could play a pivotal role.

Injury update
Linebackers Nick Sigmon and Jimmy O’Grady continue to be out, as does running back Todd Macon. Defensive back Wesley Scott joins them this week.

Uniform combo
The Flames go with the red helmet, white jersey, and blue pants this weekend against Appalachian State.

Other Sports update
Your weekly non-football Fall sports update:

  • The men’s soccer team lost to Radford, 2-0, to fall to 0-2 in conference play. The Flames return to action Saturday against Gardner-Webb in Boiling Springs.
  • The women’s soccer team is on a roll! The Lady Flames won both of their matches this week with a 2-0 win over Presbyterian followed by a 2-1 win over Radford. Liberty is in first place in the Big South with a 4-0-1 mark in conference. The Lady Flames are 8-3-1 on the season, and will put their 7 game unbeaten streak on the line against High Point on Saturday.
  • The women’s volleyball team continues their hot play with wins over Gardner-Webb and UNC Asheville this week. The Lady Flames are 3-0 in conference and 15-5 on the season.
  • The women’s field hockey team beat Appalachian State 10-0 this past Sunday to improve to 8-4 on the season.

FlameFans thread of the week
This week’s FlameFans thread of the week is Richmond postmortem where a lengthy discussion of the future of the football program broke out.