Big South dominance
The Flames will look to continue their string of Big South dominance over teams not named Coastal Carolina. Since 2006, Liberty is 27-3 against the Big South sans Coastal. If you take 2006 out, the Flames are 25-2 against the rest of the Big South with both losses coming against Stony Brook. So put it this way, Liberty is 24-0 against Gardner-Webb, VMI, Presbyterian, and Charleston Southern during the past 7 seasons. That includes 6 consecutive victories over Gardner-Webb.
Outside of last season’s comeback 42-35 victory of the Runnin’ Bulldogs, Liberty hasn’t even been challenged in their last 6 meetings with Gardner-Webb with the closest margin being 20 in 2008. The Flames have won their last 3 trips to Boiling Springs by a combined score of 117-31.
Liberty’s first 2 possessions
With Liberty coming off heartbreaking losses to ODU and Coastal, and with their shot at the playoffs all but gone, it will be interesting to see how the Flames respond early on. Coach Gill said the first 2 series of the game are “very vital” and his team must “come out and play well.”
Des Rice hopes to lead the Flames to a bounce-back victory over GWU
This is obviously all about the players’ mindset. If Liberty jumps out to a quick 14-0 lead, they will play confidently throughout the game. If they come out sluggish, and even fall behind, they will likely be facing an uphill battle all afternoon.
Turnovers
Gardner-Webb has combined for 13 turnovers in its three losses, while committing a total of six in its four victories. Head coach Carroll McCray knows that the turnover battle will be important Saturday. “We need to make sure Gardner-Webb doesn’t beat Gardner-Webb, not make foolish penalties or turn the ball over,” McCray said.
The Runnin’ Bulldogs are one of the worst teams in the country in turnover margin as they rank #105 out of 122 FCS teams. Meanwhile, Liberty is one of the best teams in the country in turnover margin as the Flames rank 16th out of all FCS teams.
Battle of the defenses
Both Gardner-Webb and Liberty’s team strengths are their defensive units. Gardner-Webb has the top rated defense in the conference as they are allowing just 334 yard of total offense per game, and also the top rated passing defense as they hold opponents to just 190 yards passing per game. Liberty’s defense is 1st in the conference in rushing defense and 2nd in scoring defense. Will we see a low scoring affair this afternoon?
Full Gardner-Webb week coverage:
Big South Football Power Rankings: Week 8
Liberty player spotlight: Des Rice
Gardner-Webb player spotlight: Juanne Blount
Game preview & prediction
