It happens every year. Football teams lose games that they had no business dropping, getting upset in the proverbial trap game. Liberty has not been immune to this over the years either. In fact, the Flames lost two of the three games we had listed as a potential trap game on this list in 2022, UConn and New Mexico State, and nearly were upset by the third team, Akron.
As we prepare for the upcoming 2023 football season, here are three games that Liberty must not overlook or they could become a trap game.
NEW MEXICO STATE
The Aggies make the list for a second straight year. It will be the second game of the season for Liberty and the Conference USA opener. NMSU will come to Lynchburg expecting to win again behind head coach Jerry Kill and quarterback Diego Pavia. The Flames will be the favorites but still learning a new system and how all the pieces fit together.
FIU
Liberty’s first road CUSA trip comes in late September when the Flames head to Miami. The Panthers have struggled in recent seasons, but could be a scary team, especially at home, under second year head coach Mike MacIntyre.
UMASS
As an Independent, Liberty struggled in November. The Flames had already clinched bowl eligibility and really didn’t have much to play for. This game against UMass has similar vibes. It’s a non-conference matchup the week prior to Thanksgiving, and, provided the Flames are already bowl eligible, this game may not have a lot of meaning for Liberty. UMass should also see some improvement this year under second year head coach Don Brown.
