Liberty Flames: The Underrated Contender in College Football
Liberty University’s football team, the Flames, has been quietly making waves in the college football landscape. With a perfect 5-0 record and a commanding 3-0 in Conference USA (CUSA), Liberty boasts the longest regular-season winning streak in the nation at 17 games. Yet, despite their impressive performance, they find themselves overlooked in the conversation about Group of Five contenders. As they prepare to face Kennesaw State on Wednesday, October 23, the question remains: why doesn’t Liberty get the respect it deserves?
The Flames’ Quest for Recognition
Liberty’s current standing in the "Others Receiving Votes" category of the national rankings highlights the uphill battle they face in gaining recognition. Four other Group of Five teams are ranked ahead of them, making it clear that Liberty has work to do if they hope to secure the Group of Five’s automatic playoff berth. Their upcoming matchup against Kennesaw State, a team struggling at 0-6, may not significantly alter perceptions, regardless of the outcome.
Kennesaw State: A Struggling Opponent
Kennesaw State, on the other hand, is grappling with its own challenges. With a record of 0-6, the Owls are one of only two remaining winless teams in the FBS. Their performance has been dismal, with a recent game against Middle Tennessee resulting in a mere five points scored. The Owls are currently neck and neck for the title of the worst team in the FBS, and a daunting 25.5-point spread against Liberty suggests that their fortunes are unlikely to change soon.
Liberty’s Recent Performance
In their last outing, Liberty faced a tough battle against FIU, needing overtime to secure the win. This raises questions about their consistency and ability to cover the spread, especially as they prepare to face a Kennesaw State team that has struggled to find its footing. Will the Flames be able to reignite their offensive prowess against a team that has been unable to find success?
Predictions for Liberty vs. Kennesaw State
As we look ahead to the matchup, the prediction leans towards the total points staying under 46. This bet reflects the struggles both teams have faced offensively. Liberty’s offense, while still run-heavy and ranked 19th in Rush Success, has seen a decline in average rushing yards per game compared to last season. Their dual-threat quarterback, Kaidon Salter, remains a key player, but the overall effectiveness of the ground game has diminished.
Kennesaw State’s offense has been equally lackluster, ranking 105th in Rush Success. With an average of just 13 points per game, the Owls have struggled to find the end zone, scoring only six offensive touchdowns through six games. Their run-heavy approach has not yielded the desired results, and they face a formidable Liberty defense that leads CUSA in scoring defense and total defense.
Matchup Analysis: Strengths and Weaknesses
When analyzing the matchup, it’s clear that Liberty holds the upper hand in both offensive and defensive statistics. The Flames have been effective at limiting opponents’ rushing yards, which will be crucial against a Kennesaw State team that relies heavily on its ground game. The Owls’ recent defensive struggles, particularly against the run, further compound their challenges as they prepare to face a Liberty team eager to assert its dominance.
Betting Insights and Trends
As the game approaches, betting trends indicate that Liberty has garnered significant support, with 60% of the tickets and 76% of the money backing them. However, the total points bet has seen a more divided response, with 55% of bets on the over. This reflects a belief that Liberty’s offense may find a rhythm against a struggling Kennesaw State defense, despite the Owls’ own offensive woes.
Game Day Details
The Liberty Flames will take on the Kennesaw State Owls on Wednesday, October 23, at 7 p.m. ET at Fifth Third Stadium in Kennesaw, Georgia. Fans can catch the action live on CBS Sports Network, as both teams look to make a statement in this pivotal matchup.
In summary, while Liberty continues to win and build on its impressive streak, the Flames remain in search of the respect they feel they deserve within the college football hierarchy. As they prepare to face a struggling Kennesaw State team, all eyes will be on whether they can deliver a dominant performance and begin to shift the narrative surrounding their program.