LB CARL POOLE RECOVERS FROM COVID, FORCES 2 TURNOVERS

Liberty linebacker Carl Poole had four tackles, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and an interception against Western Carolina. After joining the program as a walk-on, the redshirt-freshman was awarded with a scholarship during training camp, and he has worked his way into a role as a backup to Anthony Butler. Poole missed last week’s game at Virginia Tech, for previously unknown reasons, but Poole revealed why he missed the game in Blacksburg.

“I didn’t get to play last week because I had COVID,” Poole said after the game. “Coming back this week, it was a blessing to be out there with my guys and my team.”

Poole said he was cleared Tuesday, earlier this week, and was able to return to practice. He said his symptoms were on the mild side and he’s feeling much better now.

“I’m feeling wonderful,” he said. “The only symptoms I had, I couldn’t taste or smell. Now, I’m feeling wonderful. My taste and smell came back. I love that because I ate but it sucked.”

TRUE FRESHMAN CJ DANIELS CONTINUES TO IMPRESS

True freshman wide receiver CJ Daniels first made an impression on the coaching staff during training camp. With the Flames’ outside receivers being hampered by injury during much of the season, Daniels has gotten some playing time early in the season. With his strong play, that has continued even after CJ Yarbrough and Noah Frith have returned from injury.

“CJ’s going to be a really good one, and he’s getting better as he’s getting more reps,” Freeze said of Daniels. “Really excited to see him have success. We’ve been impressed with him since fall camp. I think he has natural catching ability and his routes are very good for a freshman.”

Daniels finished Saturday’s game with two receptions for 96 yards and two touchdowns. He’s the first Liberty player with multiple touchdown catches of 40 or more yards in the same game since BJ Farrow did so on Sept. 9, 2017 against Morehead State.

ALEX BARBIR WITH NEW CAREER LONG FG

Liberty kicker Alex Barbir was the big man on campus over the past week following his career-long and game-winning 51-yard field goal with just one second remaining last Saturday against Virginia Tech. On Saturday against Western Carolina, Barbir topped his kick last week with a 54-yarder in the second half to set a new career long.

“It would have been good from even more than that,” Freeze said of his kick. “That was good to see him make that one.”

Barbir missed an earlier 45-yard field goal but connected on all six of his PATs against the Catamounts. The last time Liberty had 50+ yard field goals in back to back games was Oct. 1, 2016 against Robert Morris and Oct. 15, 2016 at Kennesaw State when Alex Probert made a 51 yarder and a 50 yarder, respectively. His 54-yarder is the longest kick made by a Liberty player since John Lunsford’s 57-yarder against Kennesaw State on Oct. 24, 2015.

ENJOYING TOP 25 RANKING

Liberty coaches, players, and fans everywhere are enjoying the the 8-0 start and top 25 ranking. Head coach Hugh Freeze is enjoying it as well.

“I pulled up ESPN when I woke up this morning, about 3:30 or 4, and you go to the top 25. That’s what it goes to initially. I used to have to scroll down and look at your team at other games under FBS. It was pretty neat to see our game was on the front page with the number side it. That’s pretty special. How long that lasts, I don’t know, but we’re going to have great memories from this year from what’s been done to this point.”

FLAMES GO DEEP IN BENCH

With the Flames way ahead in the game throughout, the coaching staff went to their bench early and often. Deon Biggins came in on the second drive at one of the safety positions, and played the most snaps in any single game than he has previously. Liberty also played four quarterbacks in the game, certainly not normal. In total, 80 players got into the game for the Flames against the Catamounts on Saturday.

“It’s always fun to see kids that do all the things that it takes to be a successful program, but yet don’t get on the field a lot,” Freeze said. “You really enjoy when you do get to give them the chance to be on the field and get reps. We were able to do that with most everybody. I don’t think we played our (starters) but two possessions in the third quarter.”