Liberty not only showed with coach Jamey Chadwell that it could succeed in its first season in Conference USA, but also took its success to new heights.
The team had an impressive 13-0 regular season, won the league championship, and made a notable New Year’s Six appearance in the Fiesta Bowl. They earned many accolades for Chadwell and the players.
The Flames are seen as the top favorites to win again this year, but they face a challenge from teams eager to stop their success. Chadwell is reminding his team of the tough tasks ahead as the reigning champions with a target on their backs.
“We’ve got a great core of returning players who have been part of big games and won a lot of games,” Chadwell said.
“We’re obviously thankful for last season, but that was last year’s team. Everything we’re getting right now is based off of what happened last year, and if we think like that, we’ll get beaten quickly because there are a lot of good teams.”
Liberty has added 40 new players but returns junior dual-threat quarterback Kaidon Salter, who threw for 2,876 of his 3,965 yards from scrimmage and 32 of 44 touchdowns, along with several key offensive players.
The Flames led the Bowl Subdivision with 292.3 rushing yards per game and were fourth in total offense with 499.1 yards, but those stats didn’t help in their 45-6 loss to Oregon in the Fiesta Bowl.
The team’s defense is eager to make up for the weaknesses revealed in that game, despite leading the nation with 21 interceptions.
They return CJ Bazile Jr., who made 49 tackles, including a team-high 10.5 for loss and three sacks. He was named C-USA preseason defensive player of the year by league coaches.
With Western Kentucky, New Mexico State, and Jacksonville State also coming off bowl appearances, the Flames will need to perform well to avoid a sophomore slump.
