Head Coach: Turner Gill
2017 Record: 6-5
Conference: Independent
The last time Liberty played as an independent, it was 2001 and the Flames were Division 1AA. A year later, the Big South announced that they would begin sponsoring football, and Jerry Falwell's school was quick to join. After 16 years in the Big South Conference and eight conference titles, the Flames begin a transition into FBS and are yet again without a conference home. Despite having no conference affiliation, every Liberty fan is beyond ecstatic for the 2018 schedule. 10 of the Flames' 12 opponents are FBS foes, and the slate features match-ups with ODU, Army, UVA and Auburn.
Although there is much excitement in Lynchburg, there have been numerous questions concerning Turner Gill over the past couple of years. After reaching the second round of the FCS playoffs in 2014, the Flames have won just 6 games in each of the past three seasons. So, the question becomes, how do the Flames compete against a schedule featuring 10 FBS opponents, when they have been mediocre against FCS foes for the past three years? Needless-to-say, there may be excitement on the campus now, but it's going to fade quickly if they don't improve.
Key Losses from 2017:
RB - Carrington Mosley
2014 was the last time the Flames had a 1,000 yard rusher and that year remains Turner Gill's best. Carrington Mosley came incredibly close last year, running for 900 yards and added 9 TD's. When Mosley joined the Flames, he did so as a preferred walk-on and endured multiple struggles early on. He worked his way up the depth chart though, and proved to be valuable on the field and off the field. With 9 touchdowns during last year, and multiple TD's on four separate occasions, his consistency will be missed.
CB - Chris Turner
On February 5th, Turner Gill announced that Chris Turner was dismissed from the team due to a violation of school policy. Gill is known to run a tight ship and has a zero-tolerance policy for violation of school or team rules. Turner had an impressive 2017 campaign with 28 tackles, 7 deflections, an interception returned for a TD and a sack. While his departure proves Gill is committed to enforcing the school's policies, it also results in the loss of a key defensive back. This is a defense that allowed 30 points per game during last year, and that was against 10 FCS opponents. Losing a key defensive back was not on the radar at the conclusion of last season, so replacing him won't be easy.
DL - Dia'Vante Brown
With 3.5 sacks, 6 tackles for a loss, 50 tackles, a forced fumble, and 9 quarterback hurries, Brown established himself as one of the most consistent and valuable players on the squad. His ability to rush the quarterback is obvious but perhaps what will be missed most was his ability to affect the run. This is a defense that allowed 225 rushing yards per game last year, and allowed nearly 500 rushing yards against Kennesaw State. For a defense that performed so poorly against the run, Brown was the one constant.
Key Returnees from 2017:
QB - Stephen "Buckshot" Calvert
Calvert is now the third consecutive QB for the Flames to start in each of his eligible seasons. Both of the previous Quarterbacks, Mike Brown and Josh Woodrum, were highly remembered for their time at Liberty and each were given a chance at the NFL. With this being the inaugural FBS season, Buckshot has a unique opportunity to become the best QB in the history of the program. During last year's opener, he threw for 447 yards, 3 TD's and led the Flames to an upset of Baylor. While his career has been impressive, he ultimately will be judged on his performance during this year and next.
WR - Antonio Gandy-Golden
One of the most talented units on this Liberty squad is the receiving core, and leading that core is junior, Antonio Gandy-Goldmen. He posted an incredible stat line last year with 69 receptions, 1,066 yards, 10 TD's and 15 yards-per-reception. As with Calvert, his breakout game came against Baylor where Antonio had 13 receptions for 192 yards and 2 TD's. At 6'4", he is viewed somewhat as a possession receiver, but he has the speed to take any short pass and convert it to a big play.
DL - Juwan Wells
Turner Gill's defense really struggled last year but if there is one reason to be optimistic for a turnaround, look no further than defensive lineman, Juwan Wells. Wells had 74 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 6.5 tackles for a loss, 4 pass-breakups and 11 quarterback hurries. While he provides a strong pass-rush, he also has the ability to cover screens and bat passes down at the line of scrimmage. Wells isn't just valuable on the field, he's a key member in the locker room and with this being his 3rd year as a starter, will provide experience.
2018 Schedule:
September 1, vs ODU
September 8, @ Army
September 15, vs Norfolk State
September 22, vs North Texas
September 29, @ New Mexico
October 6, @ New Mexico State
October 13, vs Troy
October 20, vs Idaho State
November 3, @ UMass
November 10, @ UVA
November 17, @ Auburn
November 24, vs New Mexico State
Schedule Notes:
When Ian McCaw and Jerry Falwell Jr. announced the Flames were moving to FBS as an Independent, many questioned their ability to find enough opponents to sustain a 12 game schedule each year. Yet, with each year's schedule filled through 2021, they have certainly proved those doubters wrong. It's not just the number of opponents though, it's the quality of the opponents. September 1st doesn't just mark the start of a new era in Lynchburg, it also is the start of a brand new in-state rivalry with Old Dominion, as the teams will face each other three times through 2022.
Additionally, the schedule also features matchups with Army, North Texas, Troy, UVA and Auburn, each of which made bowl games a year ago. Their match-up on September 29th is at New Mexico who is coming off a bye, and their game the following week is at New Mexico State who is also coming off a bye week. There really isn't a point on this schedule that's easy. With ODU and Army both appearing to be physically daunting games, even the week 3 match against Norfolk State has potential to be a trap game. For a transition year, this schedule is particularly difficult.
Offensive Outlook:
The Flames have plenty of work to do if they want to be competitive at the FBS level. But if there's one area of the team that is ready for the challenge, it's this offense. 2017 was one of the most productive years in school history, as they averaged 449 yards and 32.5 points per game. All of their top 4 receiving targets from last year return. That includes Gandy-Golden and BJ Farrow, who each caught 10 TD's. Potentially overlooked on that unit though, is Damian King, who quietly caught 66 passes a year ago. As noted though, Gill does face the challenge of replacing RB Carrington Mosley and will look to Frankie Hickson Jr, and Kentory Matthews to fill that role. Lastly, the most underrated part of this offense is possibly the experience on the line. Liberty only loses one starter from last year's line and returns the incredibly talented Center, Thomas Sargeant.
Defensive Outlook:
Quite simply, for Turner Gill to have any success this year, his defense has to improve and they have to show that improvement in week 1. We've already mentioned the issues Liberty had stopping the run last year, and their week 2 game is at Army, who led FBS in rushing last year, averaging 362 yards per game. In addition to Army, both Auburn and New Mexico ranked in the top 25 last year in rushing yards and return experienced units. With 9 upperclassmen in this starting lineup, there is plenty of reason to believe that potential exists for this bunch.
Prediction:
The Flames have won 14 of their past 15 home openers which is very encouraging for their opener with ODU. Additionally, Turner Gill is actually really tough late in the season and has compiled a 17-5 record in November. So, even though the schedule looks difficult, history points to Liberty getting a couple of upsets. Don't expect a winning season though. Liberty has never faced more than 2 FBS opponents in one season. Yet, this schedule not only features 10 FBS teams, but 7 games against teams that reached a bowl last year. Although this season may not produce many wins, it's sure to be exciting. First FBS season, renovated stadium and one of the most explosive passing games in college football will keep us all entertained.
Breakdown:
September 1, vs ODU - Loss
September 8, @ Army - Loss
September 15, vs Norfolk State - Win
September 22, vs North Texas - Loss
September 29, @ New Mexico - Loss
October 6, @ New Mexico State - Loss
October 13, vs Troy - Loss
October 20, vs Idaho State - Win
November 3, @ UMass - Win
November 10, @ UVA - Loss
November 17, @ Auburn - Loss
November 24, vs New Mexico State - Loss
Record: 3-9
