POUND THE ROCK

After somewhat of a slow start to begin the season, Liberty has climbed to No. 2 nationally in rushing yards per game at 266.7. This comes after the Flames led the nation in rushing a year ago with 293.3 yards rushing per game.

Riding a three game win streak, Liberty has rushed for 300 yards in all three wins. Most recently, Liberty racked up a season-best 419 yards on the ground in a 38-21 win over Western Kentucky on Saturday. If Liberty reaches 300 yards rushing Friday against Sam Houston, it will mark the first time in program history they have recorded four straight 300 yard outings.

The Flames have rushed for 300 or more yards 10 times under Jamey Chadwell, going 10-0 in those games. Overall in his head coaching career, Chadwell’s teams are 36-0 when rushing for 300 or more yards.

Liberty will be tested this week against Sam Houston as the Bearkats lead CUSA in rush defense.

“They’re really good on defense,” said Chadwell of Sam Houston. “There’s a reason why they lead the league. They are physical. They play hard, they’re going to come and tackle you, and they don’t miss a lot of tackles. They don’t give you a lot of opportunities. I mean, they’re going to be where they’re supposed to be. They don’t mess up. They’re really consistent. I think that’s why they’ve been able to really have a tremendous year. They run the ball offensively. They do a good job there, but their defense is stout, and they deserve all those rankings. They’re really good. We’ll hopefully have some good ideas and fresh ideas for them, but we’re going to have to play really well to be able to move the ball and have scoring opportunities.”

PLAYING FROM BEHIND

Apparently, Liberty likes trailing from behind. The Flames have trailed at some point in all 10 games so far this year, coming back to victories in eight of those contests.

The Flames have overcome deficits of 17 (Sept. 21 vs East Carolina), 14 (Sept. 7 at New Mexico State), and 13 points (Nov. 16 at UMass), in wins. This is the first time in program history that Liberty has earned three wins in a season when overcoming deficits of 13 point or more in each game.

CHAMPIONSHIP SCENARIOS

There continues to be four teams alive in the Conference USA Championship race. Those 16 scenarios we broke down last week? Now, we’re down to just 4 scenarios.

Jacksonville State has clinched the right to host the Dec. 6 CUSA Championship Game. That contest will be televised by CBS Sports Network with kickoff at 7 p.m. Eastern. The Gamecocks’ opponent is still to be determined with Liberty, Sam Houston, and Western Kentucky all still alive.

For the Flames, it’s pretty simple – win and you’re in, lose and you’re out.

For Sam Houston, they need to beat Liberty and also need Jax State to beat Western Kentucky.

For WKU, they need to be Jax State and also need Sam Houston to beat Liberty.

INJURY REPORT

Here’s an update on Liberty’s current injury situation:

  • RB Quinton Cooley headed into the medical tent late in the 4th quarter against WKU. He is expected to be able to play this week at Sam Houston.
  • QB Kaidon Salter limped off the field following Liberty’s final touchdown of the game against WKU. He was at practice on Tuesday and he is expected to be able to play this week at Sam Houston.
  • OL Xavior Gray left the WKU game due to injury. He was not putting any weight on his right leg. His status for this week at Sam Houston is currently unknown.
  • WR Reese Smith returned to the field last week against Western Kentucky, his first action back in about a month.
  • S Quinton Reese did not play last week with an injury. His status for this week is currently unknown. He was a limited participant in Tuesday’s practice.
  • TE Bentley Hanshaw was injured early in the game against UMass. He did not play last week against WKU and was seen on the sidelines with his right foot heavily wrapped and utilizing a scooter. It is not expected that he will play Friday against Sam Houston.
  • TE Austin Henderson missed the past four weeks with a leg injury. He will be out this week as well
  • TE Bo Burklow missed the last three games with an undisclosed injury.
  • CB Alex Oliver was injured at UMass. He did not play against Western Kentucky and his status for this week is unclear at this time.