Here are some takeaways from this afternoon’s press conference with Coach Gill, Offensive Coordinator Joe Dailey, and Defensive Coordinator Robert Wimberly:
UNT the best team to come to Williams Stadium?
There’s been a lot of talk on social media since North Texas’ win over Arkansas this weekend about if they are the best team to ever play at Williams Stadium. With the Flames’ move to the FBS ranks, there will certainly be more and more talented teams coming to Lynchburg, but, to this point, yes North Texas is the best team that has played at Williams Stadium.
“I can definitely say, up to date, they are definitely the best team to come to Williams Stadium, no question about that at this point in time,” Coach Gill said. “This is a big game in the history of Liberty University, bringing a team of this caliber (in). They won the western side of Conference USA. They played well in their bowl game. They are very talented. They are in the top 5 or 10 in all offensive categories. It should be a great football game. I want our fans to come out and support us.”
Both coordinators echoed Gill and emphasized how excited the coaching staff and players are for the opportunity that presents itself this weekend.
“This is what you dream for,” Wimberly said. “An opportunity to play at the highest level, have a home game that has so much meaning, especially early in the season. When you have a great opponent coming in like North Texas, you realize what the opportunity brings. It definitely amps up your focus.”
Be sure to listen to this week’s RedSpin podcast where we break down the top 5 teams that have ever played at Williams Stadium.
Several North Texas ties
Both Turner Gill and North Texas head coach Seth Littrell spent some time this past May playing golf in Arizona as part of the American Football Coaches Association. Gill and Littrell were randomly paired in a foursome. Littrell was also North Carolina’s offensive coordinator in 2014 when the Flames and Tar Heels faced off.
UNT offensive coordinator Graham Harrell was recruited by Coach Gill while he was at Nebraska. Harrell went on to star at Texas Tech before a short professional career. He is the son of Sam Harrell, a long time high school football coach in the state of Texas who Gill has known for a long time.
Injury report
True freshmen Sean Queen and Jonathan Graham will both miss the 2018 season due to injury. Neither have seen playing time in the first two games. Queen, a wide receiver, will have surgery next week, and offensive lineman Graham had surgery this past week.
Defensive back Kimani Donaldson and tight end Fideo Ogbeifun are both questionable with lower body injuries.
Defensive lineman Vincent Elefante is suspended for the North Texas game for a violation of team rules.
Kicker Alex Probert, who hasn’t played yet this season, will not be re-evaluated until October.
