Liberty University’s football team returns home this weekend on the heels of several poor defensive showings, most recently against New Mexico State.
After holding in-state foe Old Dominion to 10 points in the Sept. 1 season opener, the Flames have given up 177 points, or 44.25 points per game over the last 4 contests. Liberty’s run defense is ranked 126th in FBS football, allowing 261.6 yards per game. LU’s pass defense is ranked 87th, and overall, the Flames’ defense checks in at 122 on the total list of 130 FBS football teams.
“Well I think we just continue to work on things, I think, just like everything in life,” Coach Gill said earlier this week. “We just keep working on it, the Lord gives us the strength and the guidance to do what we need to do…Know that we continue to develop our young men on the football field and off the football field.”
“I guess we’re disappointed, but we still believe in what we’re able to do.”
Defensive Coordinator Robert Wimberly also discussed the team’s sub-par defensive play.
“When you look at it, in watching the film, I thought our tackling took a step back (against New Mexico State),” Wimberly said. “Just thinking about the process that we go through, two weeks ago, we were probably a lot more physical.”
“But like I said, I’m not discouraged because my young men want to work,” Wimberly continued. “And we’re gonna work.”
It’s possible, of course, that the physical and mental grind of traveling to New Mexico for two consecutive weeks wore down the Flames defense. The raucous game-day environment of Williams Stadium may provide a boost to the team, but upending Troy will be no easy task. The 5-1 Trojans, who are without starting quarterback Kaleb Barker, are coming off a 37-20 victory over Georgia State.
Kickoff is slated for this Saturday, Oct. 13 at 2 pm.
