abnarur

Abnar hopes the Flames’ ground game picks it up this week

Rocco’s return
It’s the biggest storyline of the week, Danny Rocco makes his return to Lynchburg and Liberty University. We’ve covered it in various angles this week in our Heat post, podcast, and 7 reasons why he left. How will the crowd react? Will he be booed?

Injury update
The Flames got hit hard on the injury front last week against Indiana State. Out this week are RB Todd Macon, LBs Nick Sigmon and Jimmy O’Grady, and RB Josh Smith is out for the season. Dylan Lewellyn will make the switch to Mike LB to replace Sigmon & O’Grady, while Nick Newman is inserted into the starting lineup. Austin Kaigler will get most of the carries behind D.J. Abnar in place of Macon.

Fualaau reinstated
Fullback Nicky Fualaau, who was suspended indefinitely two weeks ago, has been reinstated to the team this week. Fualaau was the starter at fullback prior to missing the last 2 games while Thomas Kennedy has performed well in his place.

LU vs CAA opponents
To say Liberty has struggled against CAA opponents would be an understatement. The Flames haven’t beaten a CAA opponent since 2003 when they beat the now defunct Hofstra football program. LU is 2-18 against CAA opponents all-time.

Uniform combo
The Flames will unveil the new red matte helmets this week and go with red jerseys and white pants.


Other Sports update
Your weekly non-football Fall sports update:

  • The men’s soccer team lost to Winthrop, 2-0, in their Big South opener. The Flames are 5-2-1 on the season and travel to Radford Saturday.
  • The women’s soccer team tied Campbell, 0-0, last week before demolishing UNC Asheville, 8-0, on Wednesday. The Lady Flames are 2-0-1 in Big South play, and host Presbyterian at noon on Saturday.
  • The women’s volleyball team opened conference play with a 3-1 win over preseason favorite Radford. The Lady Flames face Gardner-Webb and UNC-Asheville on the road this weekend.
  • The women’s field hockey team have now won 6 contests in a row including 3 this week. The Lady Flames beat Ohio, 5-0, #11 Louisville, 2-1, and Longwood, 8-1. LU is 7-4 overall and 1-0 in conference play.

FlameFans thread of the week
This week’s FlameFans thread of the week is Coastal band changes to make football games better. If you enjoy the band and what they bring to the pageantry of college football, check this thread out.