This week’s player to watch for is Flames’ wide receiver Demario Douglas.
Douglas has been Liberty’s best wideout this season and has made a huge impact in his third year on the Mountain. Demario leads the team in receiving yards with 375 and is second in touchdown receptions with three. The wideout has scored a touchdown in three of Liberty’s five games and is averaging 13.9 yards per reception.
Aside from Douglas’ emergence as a top wide receiver, the Jacksonville native is still a big threat on special teams. Douglas has accumulated over 70 yards returning punts this season and has the ability to spring for a big return at any moment. Douglas’ role as a punt returner could play a factor in Saturday’s game as the Blue Raiders have one of the worst punt return defenses (105th), allowing an average of 12 yards a return and 144 yards total on the season. Middle Tennessee is also 105th in the nation in passing yards allowed, surrendering 256.4 passing yards per game. The combination of a subpar return and passing defense could mean a big day for Demario Douglas.
The Flames made a statement with a big win over UAB last weekend. While it was only the second game of the season that Douglas did not see the endzone, he still made a huge impact, recording a career-high 128 receiving yards in the victory. Douglas has big-play ability and all three of his touchdowns have been for over 30 yards this season. While Middle Tennesse won’t be an easy opponent, they could struggle with a player as dynamic as Demario Douglas. Watch for Demario to have a big day against the Blue Raiders on Homecoming.
