What to Watch: Monmouth

A list of things to keep an eye on during the game tonight with a link to all of our Monmouth week features at the bottom of the post:

Starting fast

We talked about this last week, but it seems to be becoming a theme. This was #1 on Coach Gill’s priority list during his press conference this week, and it makes sense after it was stressed prior to the Kent State game but the team still came out slow.

I went back and looked it up, over Coach Gill’s first 12 games at Liberty, the Flames have trailed at the end of the 1st quarter in 7 games. In 5 of the 7 games the score has been 7-0 in favor of the opposition. Liberty is being outscored 48-63 in the 1st quarters of games under Gill. It’s even worse when you consider one of these games the Flames were up 21-0 over Presbyterian at the end of 1, and another game was against Division II Concord where the score was 0-0 after the 1st quarter.

Under Gill, the Flames are 3-4 when trailing at the end of the 1st quarter and 4-3 when leading after 1.

Gabe Henderson looks to lead a young group of WRs in home opener

3rd down is critical

Liberty was pretty bad on 3rd down last week, converting on just 2 of 10 3rd down opportunities while allowing Kent State to convert on 9 of 18 3rd downs. These are numbers that must improve for the Flames to have a successful season.

It would also help if Liberty can make it 3rd and short as opposed to 3rd and long. The only 3rd down the Flames had against Kent State that was less than 3rd and 5, was a 3rd and goal from the 3. All others were at least 3rd and 5, with an average of 3rd and 8. So, 1st and 2nd down success is critical.

2nd game jitters

This year’s schedule is set up much like last season with a winnable FBS game in week 1 and a “should-be win” in week 2 at home before getting to the meat of the schedule. Problem is, last year the Flames lost to Norfolk State at home in week 2. Will Liberty learn from last year’s loss?

Monmouth’s skill players

It has been brought up repeatedly this week when discussing Monmouth, first in our interview with Josh Newman of the Asbury Park Press and again in Coach Gill’s interviews this week. Monmouth’s skill players, beginning with quarterback Brandon Hill, running back Julian Hayes, and wide receiver Neal Sterling, are the Hawks’ strength. Liberty must be able to limit their effectiveness, or this game will be much closer than most of FlamesNation expects.

Line play

Josh Newman, who covers Monmouth for the Asbury Park Press, continually brought up the size of some of the teams the Hawks will face this year including Liberty. Will Liberty’s offensive and defensive lines be able to control the point of attack like Kent State was able to do for much of the game last week?

Future Big South opponent

Liberty and Monmouth are slated to meet in Lynchburg again next year and for the foreseeable future as Big South opponents. So, you know the Hawks have had this game circled on their calendar for some time. To be able to come into Williams Stadium, where no Big South team has won since 2006, and steal a game from Liberty would be a huge piece to build on for next year.

Red helmets

There’s a rumor on FlameFans that Liberty will sport red helmets, blue jerseys, and red pants tonight. Is it true? Well, I guess you’ll have to find out for yourself…