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One of college football's few undefeated programs isn't in a playoff game, but rather the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl in State Farm Stadium. Monday's 1:00 p.m. EDT kickoff will pit the Liberty Flames (13-0; 9-4-0 ATS) against the Oregon Ducks (11-2; 10-3-0 ATS) with a shot at history. Despite the records, Oregon enters the matchup favored heavily. Will the Ducks destroy Liberty's dreams, or are the Flames going to light them up for a perfect finish to the season? Let's see what the new year will ring in.
Liberty went 12-0 in the regular season and capped it with a 14-point win in the Conference USA championship. The Flames won their first-ever FBS conference title with the win. Now, they seek immortality and will rely on an elite offense that is only missing its backup QB due to the transfer portal. Liberty enters this game third in yards per contest, thanks to the most potent rushing attack in college football. The Flames find 302.9 yards per game on the ground. That Quinton Cooley-led system leads to 40.8 points per game, the fifth-most in the country. The team only gains 212.0 yards per game through the air, but Kaidon Salter has 31 passing touchdowns against five interceptions. It's time for Liberty to show off on a national stage.
Liberty also allowed the fewest yards per game among Conference USA programs. The Flames surrendered 356.4 total yards and 22.7 points per contest. Once again, th ey fared well in the trenches, holding foes to 111.6 yards per game on the ground. They allowed 244.8 yards per game passing, but only 6.8 yards per attempt and 57.2% completion. Unfortunately, the defensive end is where Liberty has eight players lost to the transfer portal, so their depth will be tested. Still, whoever steps on the field knows what's at stake for this year's team.