Liberty (3-2) returns home to face another ranked opponent in #20 Richmond (2-2) this Saturday under the lights at 7pm. It will be the Flames’ annual homecoming game.
Why Richmond can win this game
Danny Rocco. He recruited and coached several of Liberty’s players. He knows Williams Stadium inside and out. There is an advantage to be gained there. Rocco will have his team prepared.
The Spiders boast one of the best passing attacks in all of FCS. Richmond ranks 2nd in passing offense with over 350 passing yards per game. We all saw the difficulty Liberty had with a good pass offense in giving up 340 yards to Indiana State last week.
Richmond has won 14 straight games against in-state, nonconference FCS opponents. This streak dates back to 1996 and includes last year’s 30-21 win over Liberty.
The Flames injuries at LB. With Nick Sigmon and Jimmy O’Grady both ruled out for Saturday, Liberty will have their hands full with Richmond’s quarterback duo Mike Strauss and Mike Rocco.
Why Liberty can win this game
The Spiders defeated LU 30-21 last year
The Spiders have turned the ball over 13 times, 4 interceptions and 9 fumbles, in just 4 games. 60% of the points they have allowed this season have come off turnovers. Meanwhile, Liberty is one of the better teams in the country in forcing turnovers, having forced 12 turnovers this season which is 9th-best in the country.
The Flames are good at home and even better on homecoming. Prior to last season’s overtime loss to Coastal Carolina, Liberty had won 6 straight homecoming games. The Flames are 28-12 all-time in homecoming games. LU also has a current 5 game home winning streak entering the game.
Danny Rocco. The players will have a little extra juice for this game, and it’s possible Rocco gets “caught up” in the return.
X-Factor for this game
Liberty’s defense. The Flames can not allow the Spiders to score 30+ points (like they did at Indiana State) and expect to win. Coach Wimberly needs to make adjustments early in the game before it is too late.
