1. These are not your father’s Liberty Flames.
The “typical Liberty” comments must be retired. The 2014 Liberty football team vanquished many demons by making the playoffs, winning at Coastal, winning the “big game” when it mattered, beating JMU, and winning in the playoffs.
2. Turner Gill IS the man for the job.
If you had any questions, he’s answered them. Regardless of what happens from here on, Gill will always be the guy that got the Flames over the hump.
3. John Lunsford is the best kicker in college football. Period.
When he lines up for a 50 yard field goal, you just assume he’s going to make it. It still baffles me whenever opposing teams put a man back deep to try to return one of his long field goals. If he misses, it’s not going to be because it’s short.
4. D. J. Abnar can be a workhorse back.
It will be interesting to see how the running back carries are split in 2015 between a healthy Des Rice and Abnar. Not to mention Todd Macon who deserves to get some carries.
5. Darrin Peterson has all the tools to be playing on Sundays.
It’s not just his single-season school records for receptions and receiving yards he set this season, it’s the way he attacks the ball while in air. Also, did you notice his game changing speed on his long runs against Coastal Carolina and Villanova? Wow.
6. Jacob Hagen will be tough to replace.
The senior safety and captain led the Flames with 108 tackles, 8 interceptions, 4 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, 22 passes defended/broken-up, and 5.5 tackles for loss. He finished the season 2nd in Big South defensive player of the year voting.
7. Nick Newman is the next star of the defense.
Newman finished the season 2nd on the team in tackles with 79. As pictured, he also returned a fumble for a touchdown against Villanova. His size and speed makes him a tough cover for most FCS offenses.
8. Coastal Carolina is a national contender.
They were ranked #1 near the end of the season, and have now made the FCS quarterfinals for 2 consecutive years. As much as we hate them, they belong.
9. JMU paid $200k to host a playoff game. And lost.
Photo courtesy Liberty.edu
It brings a smile to my face.
10. Liberty is now among the elite FCS teams in the state.
Getting to the playoffs and beating James Madison, puts Liberty in discussion as being one of the best FCS football teams in the state of Virginia.
11. Being able to run the football is critical to playoff success.
We saw it in Liberty’s win over James Madison, and by Villanova in their win against the Flames.
12. Transfers haven’t worked for Gill like they worked for Rocco.
Photo courtesy: Fansided
Add the Kevin Grooms experiment to a list that also includes Clifton Richardson. Gill’s transfers haven’t had near the impact that Danny Rocco’s did, highlighted by Rashad Jennings.
13. The Big South is a 2-bid league.
It was ranked as the 2nd best league in all of FCS the entire season by GPI. Coastal Carolina and Liberty have proven themselves. Charleston Southern isn’t going anywhere as long as Jamey Chadwell is coach. Kennesaw State should end up being a solid addition once they get their feet wet. Get used to seeing 2 teams in the FCS playoffs year in, year out.
14. Liberty’s fan base has matured.
The way you travelled to Coastal, JMU, and Villanova was simply amazing.
15. 2015 Liberty football will face the highest expectations the program has ever experienced.
And we can’t wait…268 days to kickoff…
Nice summary.