Liberty will be looking to close in on their 2nd consecutive playoff berth as the calendar turns to November. The Flames will host the Blue Hose of Presbyterian on November 7th.
Presbyterian
2014 record: 6-5, 3-2 Big South.
Coach: Harold Nichols, in his 7th season.
Starters returning: 5 on offense, 9 on defense.
Offensive system: Spread.
Defensive system: 4-3.
Three significant stats last year:
- PC’s 6-5 record a season ago, was the program’s first winning record since 2007 and first ever since becoming full Big South members.
- Presby’s defense set new school Division I records in total yards allowed, opponent points scored, opponent touchdowns, and total offense allowed per game.
- The Blue Hose allowed just 15.9 points per game against FCS competition.
Key starters returning:
- LB Donelle Williams led the team last season with 81 tackles. He also added 4.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks and was named to first-team All-Big South.
- DB Ed Britt was 2nd on the team last season with 72 tackles and led the team with 3 interceptions. He was also named first-team All-Big South.
How does Presbyterian match up
The Blue Hose return 9 starters from the best defense they’ve had since joining the Big South. So, they will obviously be leaning on that defense early and often as PC breaks in several new starters on the offensive side of the ball. Last year’s starter at QB, Heys McMath, decided to give up football with 2 years of eligibility remaining leaving the job to Kaleb Griffin in 2015. The redshirt-freshman has started 10 games in his career, but only started one in 2014. Complicating matters on the offensive side, PC will have to replace their top receiver in Tobi Antigha and top rusher in Demarcus Rouse.
Presby is 0-3 at Williams Stadium since they joined the Big South and have lost by an average score of 39-17 in their 3 previous trips. Flames Nation should expect the same for 2015.
