LIBERTY BECOMES BOWL ELIGIBLE

In Liberty’s third season as a full FBS member, the Flames have clinched bowl eligibility for a third consecutive season following the team’s win over North Texas, 35-26. The win improves Liberty’s record to 6-2 on the year and extends the Flames’ streak of consecutive years with at least six wins to 16 years, one of only eight Division I teams with at least six wins every year since 2006.

“We are pleased to be bowl eligible in our third straight year,” said Liberty head coach Hugh Freeze. “That’s what I say all along should be our goal. We certainly didn’t play our best, but we’re going back to Lynchburg with six wins, so I’m pleased.”

DOUGLAS PUNT RETURN IS FOR HIS COACH

Liberty receiver and punt returner Demario Douglas missed last week’s game at Louisiana-Monroe as he fought through an ankle injury suffered a couple weeks ago against Middle Tennessee. He had a huge impact giving the Flames its first lead of the game in the second half with his punt return for touchdown. He said after the game he wanted to do it for his special teams coordinator Tanner Burns.

“I was happy for Coach Burns,” Douglas said. “The whole week he talked about how his dad is going to be there. His first game his dad is going to be there the first three rows. Coach Burns, he always talks highly of his dad. I just know I had to do something for special teams. His dad is a special teams coach. Coach Burns followed him, just (wanted) to put on a show for his dad.”

LIBERTY FIGHTING THROUGH UNDISCIPLINED ERRORS

Liberty had 11 penalties for 97 yards on Saturday at North Texas. The penalties, as well as other undisciplined errors, have become a trend and something that is a bit of a worry for the Flames moving into the final stretch of the regular season.

“We are undisciplined in some things right now,” said Freeze following his teams win over North Texas. “That’s not a team I like to coach. It’s my fault. I’ve got to figure out what gets us a little more disciplined in some things with our eyes or have to look at some of these penalties they are calling, but I’ll tell you one thing I don’t question and that’s the fight of our kids.”

TOUGH STRETCH TO THE SCHEDULE

Liberty has had a tough stretch to the schedule with four out of five and five out of seven games away from home. This also comes as part of 10 straight games without a bye week to begin the season. The Flames finally get to return home to face a struggling UMass team this week.

“It’s been a long stretch (with these games) on the road,” said Freeze. “Thank God we get to play a home game this week. Hopefully we can get rested up. I think we are kind of a tired team, but there’s no quit in us. We certainly battled today and very proud of our kids.”

*photo courtesy Liberty Athletics