The Liberty football team held its first press conference of the season as the Flames continue to prepare to face Old Dominion on Saturday. Here are the main takeaways from Tuesday afternoon’s media gathering.

Run the football

Coach Gill was very adamant that whichever team has the most success at running the football, will be the team that wins the game. Both of his coordinators echoed that sentiment. This should be concerning for Liberty fans as the Flames were out-rushed by over 900 yards in 2017, and that was with Carrington Mosley and Todd Macon still on the roster. Since Coach Dailey has taken over as offensive coordinator, and certainly since Buckshot has arrived on campus, Liberty’s offense has always been pass-center. Since Old Dominion has made the move to the FBS ranks, they have become a more run dominant team, as evidenced by their nearly 2,000 rushing yards in 2017. The Flames’ defense also had its struggles against the run, allowing 5.5 yards per rush to opponents last year.

Injuries? What injuries?

Ever since Coach Gill has been at Liberty, he’s given an injury report during his weekly press conference. He didn’t do that this time.

“We will discuss that later in the week,” Gill said of the injury report. “We will see how things go throughout this week here.”

The only injury we’ve been told about during camp other than the season ending injuries was Antonio Gandy-Golden who injured his wrist in a car accident this summer.

“Gandy Golden has done a good job,” Gill said. “He’s been practicing. I have no issues or concerns about him playing and getting ready to play. We’re not going to limit him. I don’t have any hesitation (with him). He’s ready to go.”

Maybe kicker Alex Probert who had some bumps and bruises during camp? Gill’s answer when asked specifically about him was veiled.

“Later in the week, I will let everyone know. We will see what happens.”

That was Gill’s answer when asked about Probert’s availability this week.

Depth chart musings

Kentory Matthews is listed as the starting running back after carrying the ball just 31 times last year after transferring in from a junior college. Frankie Hickson and Peytton Pickett are listed behind Matthews.

Solomon Ajayi is listed as a starter at LB. He’s the younger brother of the Philadelphia Eagles’ Jay Ajayi, and is expected to make a big impact this season.

DJ Stubbs has rocketed up the depth chart and is listed as a starter at WR.

Brandon Tillmon and Rion Davis are two defensive players with extensive playing experience, but they are listed 3rd on the depth chart at their respective positions.

JT Wood is the only true freshman listed on the depth chart. He’s listed 3rd at one receiver position behind DJ Stubbs and Damian King.