The Liberty Flames (2-0, 1-1 ATS, 1-1 O/U) take on the #19 Wake Forest Demon Deacons (2-0, 2-0 ATS, 1-1 O/U) in a week three battle on Saturday evening. The Flames defeated UAB for their second consecutive win. The Demon Deacons have defeated VMI and Vanderbilt in their first two games. These foes last met in 2012.
The Liberty Flames are enjoying a promising start to the season. Week one was a good one. They were small 3.5-point favorites in a 29-27 overtime road win against Southern Mississippi. They had a stronger opponent last week and were stellar, earning a 21-14 home win against UAB of the C-USA in a bout that had the Flames as six-point dogs. Liberty has a tough schedule against several power conference schools.
The Flames have a new QB after Malik Willis was a first-round pick in the NFL draft. The projected #1 QB Charlie Brewer is injured, giving the opportunity to freshman QB Kaidon Salter who was the backup last year and takes the reigns. Salter posted 148 yards in week one and 202 passing yards against a strong UAB defense last week. Dae Dae Hunter arrived at Liberty on a transfer from Hawaii. The sophomore posted 651 rushing yards in 2021 and has 1 26 yards this season.
.@07ksalt launches a rocket ?? downfield to @popshotta3 #sheesh pic.twitter.com/hHLbvAggr1
— Liberty Football (@LibertyFootball) September 11, 2022
Demario Douglas led the team in receiving in 2021 and so far the sophomore has excelled, amassing 148 yards in two games. The Liberty offense won’t be as productive as last season but have great coaching and should display improvement as the season progresses.
The Flames' defense has been the top strength so far. They squandered 389 passing yards against Southern Mississippi but were better last week, conceding 337 yards. The pass defense has been marvelous, ranking 11th overall while the rush defense is 128th. Liberty has accrued 49 points in two bouts, landing them 95th. The defense has held their foes to only 28 points, good for 51st in the FBS.