We continue our series of an early look ahead to the teams on Liberty’s 2025 schedule. We will give a quick preview of all 12 teams that stand in the Flames’ way of another bowl trip and potentially a second CUSA championship as third-year head coach Jamey Chadwell prepares his team for the upcoming season.

Today, we look at the third and final of three straight home games for the Flames in the middle part of the season, as Liberty welcomes Missouri State to Lynchburg.

MISSOURI STATE

• When: Saturday, Nov. 8 at Williams Stadium in Lynchburg (1 p.m., ESPN Platform TBD)
• Last year’s record: 8-4, 6-2 MVFC (t-4th)
• Coach: Ryan Beard, third year at Missouri State
• 2025 SP+ ranking: 127
• Series History: N/A, first meeting

Last Meeting: N/A, first meeting

Program History:

National Championships: 0 (at the FBS level)

Conference Championships: 0 (at the FBS level)

Bowl Record: 0-4

Last Bowl Appearance: 1989: L, 55-25 vs Stephen F Austin in the Pecan Bowl

Ryan Beard is entering his third year leading Missouri State. They started 6-0 last year in the Missouri Valley, the toughest FCS league in the country, before losing to powers North Dakota State and South Dakota State, going on to finish 8-4 on the season.

The Bears averaged 35 points and 425 yards per game on offense last season. They return their quarterback, three offensive line starters, and two of their top three wide receivers as they prepare to make the jump from the FCS to the FBS. QB Jacob Clark was 262 for 376 passing for 3,604 yards, 26 touchdowns, and six interceptions in 12 games last year. With him returning and 10 total returning starters, Missouri State could be ready to make a successful transition to the FBS early.

Missouri State does open with USC, Marshall, and SMU to begin the season. How will they handle that tough start? Will the confidence remain high? They have some talent and returning experience with a winning head coach. Facing some of the tough teams in the FCS every year, Missouri State won’t be intimidated by some of their CUSA foes.

What’s at Stake?

This will be the first ever meeting between the two programs as Missouri State has made the transition from the top football conference in the FCS to Conference USA and the FBS. The Bears have had some success in the past, and they hope to make a successful transition to the higher level quickly. The Flames should be well ahead of Missouri State at this point in the two programs’ histories, so this is a game Liberty will likely be a favorite in and one they should win at home if they plan on competing for the CUSA Championship in 2025.

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James Madison
Old Dominion
UTEP
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