Grant Bowden named player of the week
Allen out
Coach Turner Gill announced at his weekly press conference earlier this week that Liberty running back Aldreakis Allen will miss the Morgan State game with a “lower body injury.” Allen was originally slated to return this week following his suspension, but he is now hopeful to return next week against Richmond.
Other injuries
Fullback Michael Johnson is expected to miss 4 weeks with a “lower body injury.” Nicky Fualaau will start in Johnson’s place. Left tackle Hunter Steward is probable for the Morgan State game. Steward missed the Monmouth game with an “upper body injury.” If Steward is unable to go, right tackle Mitch Hanson will start at left tackle, and Max Sommer will replace Hanson at right tackle.
Grant Bowden named Player of the Week
Punter Grant Bowden was the first Flame honored by the conference this week as he was named Big South Special Teams Player of the week. Here’s our week 3 player spotlight on Grant Bowden in case you missed it from earlier this week.
Hall of Fame weekend
This weekend marks the 5th Liberty Athletics Hall of Fame class. The 5 member class of 2013 will be officially inducted in the Liberty Athletics Hall of Fame Friday night in a ceremony held in the Club Pavilion of the Williams Stadium Tower. The class includes Anthonia (Akpama) Oyedele, Bailey Alston, Brenda Bonheim, Nancy (Davis) White, and Robby Justino.
Sagarin Ratings
Alston is 3rd on Liberty’s all-time scoring list with 2,115
Here are the Big South football teams’ current Sagarin Ratings:
#157 Liberty
#166 Coastal Carolina
#209 Gardner-Webb
#213 Charleston Southern
#234 Presbyterian
#238 VMI
The Big South ranks 27th out of 33 Division I (FCS and FBS) conferences.
Tavares Speaks headed to Greece
According to Greg Crosby, Liberty alum Tavares Speaks is headed to Greece to play professional basketball.
Saw my nephew Tavarus Speaks at the GymRat/NextLevel event, LibertyU Grad… he’s headed to Greece to play pro Ball #SuccessStory @Sallen_21
— Greg Crosby (@coachcosbb) September 8, 2013
Brown makes 1st career NFL reception
Brown finished with 1 catch for 14 yards
Former Liberty quarterback Mike Brown made his first NFL catch last weekend against the Kansas City Chiefs. His catch was for 14 yards and a Jaguar first down.
Terrance Ervin’s debut
I was at Liberty verbal commit quarterback Terrance Ervin’s senior season debut last Friday night. Ervin was 8/16 passing for 116 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception. He also added 3 rushes for 5 yards. Ervin is a big kid with a strong arm, and his DI potential is obvious when watching him play.
Big South Basketball preview
Earlier this week Mid-Major Madness released their 2013-14 Big South basketball conference preview. In it, they predicted Liberty to finish 2nd in the North Division behind High Point, and Charleston Southern to finish atop the South Division.
Other sports
The men’s soccer team was handed their first loss of the season this week, falling to Wofford 4-1. Liberty will begin conference play this weekend as they travel to Boiling Springs to take on Gardner-Webb.
The Lady Flames’ soccer team had a terrific showing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania as they swept their trip against Drexel, Saint Joseph’s, and UNC Greensboro. Liberty is 5-1 on the season, and have won 5 consecutive matchups.
The volleyball team had a rough go of it in Lexington, Kentucky as they were unable to win a set in their 3 matchups against VCU, East Tennessee State, and Kentucky.
