There’s only 3 weeks left before the regular season is over, and Liberty is alive and well in the playoff hunt. Of course, if the Flames win out they will secure the Big South’s auto-bid. If they don’t, they would rely on the FCS selection committee to select them as an at-large. Here’s several key games to watch this weekend that could affect Liberty’s at-large playoff chances.
1. Bethune Cookman (7-2) @ Norfolk State (4-5), 7:30 Thursday on ESPNU
Line: BCC -13
This game is on Thursday, not Saturday. It’s a tangled mess with 5 teams tied at 4-1 atop the MEAC standings, which include both of these teams. With Liberty beating Norfolk State earlier this year, FlamesNation should pull for the Spartans.
2. Bryant (7-1) @ Duquesne (5-4), Noon
Line: Bryant -5
It’s their only loss and Liberty’s best FCS win to this point, so keep on winning, Bryant!
3. Richmond (7-2) @ Maine (3-5), 12:30
Line: Richmond -14
Could Liberty and Danny Rocco make the playoffs for the first time, the same year? Let’s hope so. Pull for Richmond from here on out.
4. South Dakota State (5-4) @ Indiana State (6-3), 1pm
Line: ISU -1
Not only does an Indiana State win help LU’s nonconference schedule, it would also eliminate South Dakota State, another bubble team.
5. James Madison (6-3) @ Stony Brook (4-5), 1pm
Line: Pick ’em
Here’s 2 teams FlamesNation should be familiar with. Pull for Stony Brook in this one, a loss by JMU could eliminate the Dukes.
6. Montana (6-3) @ Eastern Washington (8-2), 3:10pm
Line: EWU -8
EWU is all but a lock at this point, 2 more losses and the Grizz will be eliminated. FlamesNation should hope Eastern Washington wins.
7. Delaware (5-4) @ Albany (6-3), 3:30
Line: Albany -4
This is an elimination game, loser is out. But with Delaware still having to face Top 10 New Hampshire and Villanova, hope Delaware pulls the road upset.
8. UL Monroe (3-5) @ Appalachian State (3-5), 3:30
Line: App -3
The more Appalachian State wins, the better.
9. Cal Poly (6-3) @ Idaho State (6-3), 4:35pm
Line: Idaho State -4
Both teams are on the bubble, but FlamesNation should hope Cal Poly wins. The Mustangs have a much easier path to make the playoffs, and another Idaho State loss could have them on the outside looking in.
10. SF Austin (6-3) @ McNeese State (6-2), 7pm
Line: McNeese -11
A loss by SFA would eliminate them, so root for McNeese State.
Interesting post. Obviously there are a lot of moving parts before the Playoff picture becomes clear.
Let’s hope that LU can run the table and finish with a historic win, handing CCU a loss and spoiling their undefeated season. Now wouldn’t that get LU noticed and wash away a bunch of bad memories?