The conversation from across the press box was tough to ignore.  “Wow, this is a really weak crowd,” quipped one of the men.  The other responded, “It’s Liberty…”.  If you live in the Liberty bubble, a statement like that could be somewhat confusing.  In Lynchburg, Flames football is pretty big time.  Anyone who has been to a game at Williams Stadium over the past few years knows how great the atmosphere can be.  However, as someone who lives two hours away in Richmond, I can tell you that the sentiment shared by the UR staff members is basically the norm outside of Lynchburg.  Initially, my inner fan reaction is always the same.  I think to myself, “Don’t they know how many people pack our stadium?”, “Don’t they know that we are so close to going to the FBS?”.  Saturday night was a reminder why Liberty is perceived the way it is.  The truth is ugly.  The Flames haven’t really won anything of significance to earn respect from the upper crust of the FCS world.

I know this is going to upset some of you.  Yes, there are the numerous Big South Co-Championships.  Yes, Liberty had a clutch performance against Elon back in 2008.  Yes, Liberty beat an FBS opponent in Ball State a few seasons back.  Yes, Liberty beat the #6 team in the country last year to close the season.  However, the question has to be asked.  What did any of those moments get the Flames?

Des Rice ran strong Saturday night, but also had a costly fumble.

Des Rice ran strong Saturday night, but also had a costly fumble.

The facts are obvious, disturbing, and worth repeating.  Zero playoff appearances.  With the exception of VMI, the Flames have not defeated an in-state opponent since 2003.  Liberty is now 1-16 against CAA opponents since 2000.  Let all of that soak in, again.  Until Liberty starts winning those games, the Flames will always be looked at as little brother in the state of Virginia.  Until Liberty starts winning the Big South outright and making playoff appearances, the respect, and perhaps that coveted invitation, aren’t coming.

Wrap all of that hate and aggravation of the past five or six years into a ball, and you had Saturday night.  News & Advance writer Chris Lang noted that the feeling of frustration among Liberty players, staff, and fans was “palpable”.  The Flames had every opportunity to win the kind of game that they have not over the past decade.  However, like so many other nights, this one would end in disappointment.  Add in the sting of losing to a former Head Coach that seems to enjoy making subtly antagonistic comments, and you have a recipe for doom and gloom.

Coach Gill and the Flames get another shot against an in-state foe on Oct. 5 at ODU.

Coach Gill and the Flames get another shot against an in-state foe on Oct. 5 at ODU.

This is not a “sky is falling” editorial though.  The 2013 season still has every opportunity to be the best in school history.  The Flames have a talented roster that is still learning what they are good at.  Once they get through this week’s meaningless contest against Kentucky Wesleyan, Liberty football gets yet another shot at the kind of win that has eluded them for so long.  The Big South is having its best year ever, and should the Flames run the table in conference, they will likely have a meaningful win against a top 10 team, as well as the possibility of wins over two other ranked teams.  Liberty will once again find itself in the top 25, and for the first time, in the NCAA FCS playoffs.

So the frustration is building.  Liberty may look like the third best team in the Big South at the moment.  However, there is still a lot of football left to be played, and Coach Gill’s Flames have everything they need to take it to the next level.  Liberty needs it.  Flames Nation needs it.  Let’s hope we all see it happen starting October 5 in Norfolk.