The Liberty Flames are coming off an 8-1 season in 2022, their best since 2016. They were on track to make a major bowl game before their season was abruptly ended by COVID-19.
The Flames will be under new leadership in 2023, as Hugh Freeze was fired following the 2022 season and replaced by Jamey Chadwell. Chadwell comes to Liberty after a successful stint at Coastal Carolina, where he led the Chanticleers to three consecutive bowl games, including an appearance in the 2021 Sun Belt Championship Game.
The Flames have a number of key players returning in 2023, including quarterback Malik Willis, running back Joshua Mack, and wide receiver Kevin Shaa. Willis is a dynamic dual-threat quarterback who threw for 2,227 yards and 20 touchdowns in 2022. Mack is a powerful running back who rushed for 1,190 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. Shaa is a big-play receiver who caught 57 passes for 827 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2022.
The Flames also have a strong defense returning in 2023. Linebacker Tyren Dupree is a tackling machine who led the team with 105 tackles in 2022. Cornerback Kobe Singleton is a lockdown defender who had four interceptions last season.
The Flames will be competing in Conference USA in 2023. They have a tough schedule, but they have the talent to compete for a conference championship. I predict that the Flames will win 9 games in 2023.
Key Players
- Malik Willis, QB, 6'1", 215 lbs.
- Joshua Mack, RB, 6'0", 220 lbs.
- Kevin Shaa, WR, 6'2", 205 lbs.
- Tyren Dupree, LB, 6'2", 235 lbs.
- Kobe Singleton, CB, 6'0", 185 lbs.
Team Statistics
- Overall record: 8-1
- Offensive yards per game: 432.8
- Defensive yards per game: 339.3
- Points scored per game: 32.6
- Points allowed per game: 23.4
Prediction
I predict that the Flames will win 9 games in 2023. They have a tough schedule, but they have the talent to compete for a conference championship. The Flames will be led by a strong offense led by quarterback Malik Willis and running back Joshua Mack. The defense will also be a strength, led by linebacker Tyren Dupree and cornerback Kobe Singleton.
