Independent Football Teams - 2021 Liberty Flames Preview
Our Liberty Flames preview 2021 notes that this team has been a FBS team since 2018 when it became an Independent. In their first season, the Flames were 6-6. In 2019, their second season, Liberty went 8-5. That record earned them a trip to the Cure Bowl where they beat Georgia Southern 23-16. Last year, in the regular season, the Flames won nine and lost one with their only loss being 14-15 to NC State. Ranked 23rd, the Flames earned a berth in the Cure Bowl once again. This time they met ninth-ranked Coastal Carolina. The result was a 37-34 Liberty victory in OT. With 11 starters returning on offense and nine on defense, expect more of the same from the Flames this team.
Liberty Offense
Last season, QB Malik Willis put on a show. The dual threat passed for 2,260 yards and rushed for 944 more. He threw 20 TD passes and just six interceptions while averaging 6.7 yards be rush and scoring 14 TDs on the ground. Last season one of his key receivers, Noah Frith, battled injuries, catching just 16 passes. Frith is back and healthy and should be a major offensive force. The three top pass catchers from last season return, including D.J. Stubbs who recorded 38 receptions for 523 yards while scoring three times. Tight end Johhny Huntley proved to be a solid target taking in 15 passes and scoring three TDs. Community college transfer (Pearl River, Miss.) Stetson Moore, who’s 6’4” and 240 pounds, has wideout and tight end possibilities.
For the second straight season running back Joshua Mack ended up second in rushing yards. In 2020, he ran for 797 yards and four scores while averaging 5.7 YPA. Utah transfer T.J. Green arrives, giving the Flames a viable third-down runner as well as a pass catcher. The offensive line is seasoned and deep. Look for them to get the job done.
Liberty Flames Preview 2021 - Defense
The Flames use a four-man front, and they return an experienced nine-man rotation. Two players, Durrell Johnson and TreShaun Clark, are the engines on the line. Last season, Johnson recorded 38 tackles, 8.5 sacks, and three TFL. He also had six QBH. Clark was good for 38 tackles, 5.5 sacks, and 4.5 TFL. In addition, he recorded six QBH. WLB Aaron Pierre returns after making 41 tackles and posting 2.5 TFL and one sack. ULM transfer Rashaad Harding joins him, adding a new wrinkle.
In 2020, Rover Javon Scruggs led the team with 69 tackles while recording four TFL, two picks, and two PBU. Free safety Marcus Haskins was good for 30 tackles, four PBU, and one INT. Two transfers, Duron Lowe (UTEP) and Skyler Thomas (Washington State), upgrade a unit that was already solid last season.
Specialists
Our Liberty Flames preview 2021 found that placekicker Alex Barbir proved to be exceptionally reliable last season. He was good on 50-of-52 extra points and 13-of-20 field goals. Two of those three-pointers resulted in tie-breaking wins. Barbir got stronger as the season went on and made three kicks in the Cure Bowl. He was 2-of-2 from 50-plus yards. Punter Aidan Alves recorded 41.8 YPP while placing eight-of-26 within the 20. Alves will return kicks and Lowe punts.
Liberty Flames Preview 2021 - Projection
Although the Flames’ 2021 schedule is a tad tougher than last year’s, as they play UAB, Mississippi, and Syracuse, the team has also been upgraded. Our Liberty Flames preview 2021 certainly expects that this team will be dynamic on offense and stingy on defense. A winning season and another bowl appearance are in their near future.
Independent Football Teams - Liberty Flames 2021 - Predictions:
Record: 10-2
New Mexico Bowl vs Wyoming