It is now one day until the Flames square off against Danny Rocco and the Richmond Spiders. The much anticipated game will feature a strong Liberty defense looking to lead the Flames to their third consecutive win against a talented Spiders squad that has lost two straight. While Richmond has dropped in the polls since their loss to Gardner-Webb, the Spiders remain in the top 25 of both major polls, at numbers 20 and 23 respectively. Liberty has not pulled off a road victory against an in-state school not named VMI since 1997, and has never beaten a CAA team since the football league came into existence. Needless to say, a lot is on the line for both teams this Saturday, and it should be an emotional game from start to finish.
The Flames will need Clifton Richardson to help get the rushing attack going on Saturday.
While these sorts of statistics can be very misleading, Liberty comes in with the 7th ranked total defense in the nation, compared to Richmond who comes in at 15th. The two opposing defenses are the strengths of their respective teams. At times both teams have struggled to run the ball successfully as well. Richmond comes in with a dangerous passing attack, led by UVA transfer QB Michael Strauss, while Liberty QB Josh Woodrum continues to mature and become more comfortable with his new cast of receivers.
If you remove Liberty’s history against CAA opponents from the equation, these teams look very similar on paper. Of course, the comparisons only continue when you consider the obvious storyline of the ex-Liberty coaches at Richmond. It seems Liberty’s players expect this to be a tight game as well. Liberty LB Nick Sigmon remarked, “Coach Rocco’s going to work them and get them ready just like Coach Gill will. I think it’s going to be a very sound ball game on both sides.”
The game could turn on the Flames’ ability to shut down the big play (photo courtesy of timesdispatch.com)
The key to this game could very well be establishing the run game and controlling the football. Whichever team succeeds at this will have a distinct advantage in this match up. As always, big plays and turnovers will be a huge factor as well. The Flames will need to keep pressure on Michael Strauss and limit his ability to make big plays. If Liberty does all of these things, they will have a great chance of pulling off the upset on the road.
Prediction
With a short drive, and a strong contingent of Liberty fans in attendance, the Spiders’ home field advantage should be minimized. While the Flames have struggled against the CAA, Turner Gill has not yet faced such an opponent. The Liberty coaching staff utilizes their strategic familiarity with Rocco’s system, and finds a way to take this one with superior special teams. Liberty wins a tight game on the road with a Lunsford field goal.
I am thankful for your prediction my friend. I believe this Liberty Team is different than the past few years in that they will beat the good teams and then take care of business against the lesser teams too. Turner Gill when its all said and done (I HOPE) will be the best coach LU has ever had. I know its to early to tell, but an alumni can hope can’t he, ha. So, looking forward to the game on saturday. However, like you I do have Liberty winning, but by a larger margin. 24-10 LU wins. A lot of us are forgetting about a certain player who makes his debut this week, Aldreakis Allen. Adding him to the equation will boost playmaking ability in the passing game for Woodrum and ofcourse in the running game. Him being back with his leadership and energy that he brings will make things very interesting tomorrow.
I think Richmond was caught off guard last week and are looking to rebound in a big way. They are at home, have just as strong a defense as us, and have a better quarterback. I think the Spiders should win but anything is possible. I don’t like their experienced and talented defensive line against our inexperienced and struggling offensive line. We’ll see how it goes. Go Liberty!
If it’s raining all game that will minimize the passing threat for both teams and I believe that plays into Liberty’s favor at this point. With UR’s lack of a run game Liberty should be able to pound the ball much better. Either way this will be a tough game for the flames…