Traveling & adjusting schedules

There was a lot of discussion about the back-to-back long trips to New Mexico. Coach Gill even called it the toughest challenge he’s faced as a coach. The long trip, high elevation, and guys facing injuries will be a tough challenge for the Flames to overcome. Not to mention the fact that New Mexico State has already played 5 games and is coming off a bye week. Gill also mentioned he will be shortening practices by 10 or 15 minutes this week.

“As an FBS team, every game is so vital,” Coach Gill said. “We have to tell our guys every single week, ‘you have to play your best. You cannot take a day off.'”

Javon Scruggs’ emergence

True freshman cornerback Javon Scruggs, from local Appomattox High School, has cracked the Liberty depth chart this week as 2nd string behind Jeremy Peters. He has seen playing time in all 4 games this year, recording 3 tackles and 1 forced fumble as his role continues to increase.

“He is wise beyond his years when it comes to the football field,” Robert Wimberly said of Scruggs. “When he was at Appomattox, to lead a team to 3  state championships, he has something to him. I wasn’t surprised by his mental maturity coming in. What I have been very pleased with, is his ability to respond. Most young men when they have difficulties in camp, the next day it may waiver him. He showed us early he knew how to shake things off. With that, his confidence got better and better. If he gave up a big play, he came back and made a big play. That’s the mindset he has, and most true freshmen don’t have that like he has at this stage of their career. They normally develop it, You can tell mentally it means something to him, and it’s hard to shake him. Coach Doug Smith did a great job in building him to being a good football player at the collegiate level.”

AGG’s performance

Antonio Gandy-Golden put up record breaking numbers against New Mexico on Saturday, hauling in 11 passes for 245 yards and 1 touchdown. Offensive coordinator Joe Dailey said it was one of the best individual wide receiver performances he’s every been around.

“Antonio not having great numbers the first couple of weeks, I don’t know if it led people to believe maybe he isn’t as good people say.”

Yeah, I think he proved his doubters wrong.

We have TV coverage this week!

After no tv or streaming coverage available for the New Mexico game, Liberty’s game Saturday at New Mexico State will be picked up locally in the Lynchburg/Roanoke market by WDBJ7’s station WZBJ24. It will also be streamed on Aggie Vision.

Injury report

The Flames got banged up a bit against New Mexico last week and it shows in the injury report. Coach Gill said that corner Kimani Donaldson is doubtful, running back Kentory Matthews is questionable, and tight end Fidel Ogbeifun and corner Jeremy Peters are both probable. Ogbeifun should return to practice this week.

Wide receiver Damian King, who went out in the first half against UNM and was seen on crutches, is out for at least 4 weeks with a lower body injury. King has a redshirt year available, and having only played in 3 games so far this season (was suspended for season opener), he could redshirt.

“We will wait and evaluate that at the end of the 4 weeks,” Gill said of King’s redshirt possibility. “I guess it’s a possibility, but we’re not going to make that decision now.”