Charleston Southern Game Notes Available
10/23/2008 12:00:00 AM | Football
Charleston Southern Game Notes
Today's Game
The Flames return to Big South Conference action today when they welcome Charleston Southern to Williams Stadium. Both squads will be looking to rebound from setbacks the previous weekend. Liberty dropped a 35-21 contest to Lafayette, while Charleston Southern fell by one point, 20-19, in its first-ever trip to Long Island to face Big South newcomer Stony Brook.
Coach's Corner
In just two seasons at Liberty, head coach Danny Rocco has taken the Flames from 1-10 (in 2005) to Big South champions. The third-year skipper has posted a 20-9 record since taking over the program, helping him garner Big South Coach of the Year honors in back-to-back seasons. Last year, the Flames were 8-3 and a perfect 4-0 against Big South foes.
Jay Mills became the second coach in the history of the Buccaneer program, taking over as head coach in 2003. Over the past six seasons, the skipper has posted a 30-32 record, highlighted by a share of the Big South crown in 2005 and league Coach of the Year honors.
Sweet Sixteen
For the 16th-consecutive season, the Flames and the Buccaneers are meeting on the gridiron, making the series the longest running in Liberty history. The Flames have proven victorious during 13 out of the previous 15 match-ups, including both under head coach Danny Rocco. Liberty has only lost once in eight games played at Williams Stadium against Charleston Southern, falling 25-0 in 2000.
Home Sweet Home
Today, the Flames welcome visiting Charleston Southern to Williams Stadium, a facility Liberty has called home for the past 20 seasons. Liberty rallied for a 37-19 victory over Towson State on Oct. 21, 1989, and has won 65 percent of its contests since, having posted a 69-38 record at the on-campus facility. Last year, the Flames went undefeated at home for the second time in program history, posting a school-record 6-0 record, en route to their Big South title run.
Sensational Sellouts
For the 10th-straight home game, the Flames filled Williams Stadium beyond capacity, as 15,483 fans packed into the on-campus facility last weekend. The attendance figure was the second largest in the 20-year history of the stadium, falling 148 shy of the school record. Since head coach Danny Rocco has arrived at Liberty, the Flames have filled Williams Stadium beyond capacity 12 out of 16 games. Liberty has posted a 13-3 record during those contests, averaging 13,198 fans per home game.
Attending to the National Numbers
Following its 10th-consecutive sellout crowd at Williams Stadium in the Flames' 35-21 setback to Lafayette last weekend, Liberty ranks as one of the nation's elite in terms of home attendance figures. The Flames rank No. 8 nationally among FCS programs in filling stadium capacity (123.49 percent), No. 9 in total home attendance (59, 274) and No. 14 in average home attendance (14,819).
Saturday Night Lights
Under head coach Danny Rocco, the Flames are 11-3 in night games. Since 1976, Liberty has compiled a 53-65-3 in night games.
In Broad Daylight
Under head coach Danny Rocco, the Flames are 8-6 in games played during the day. Since 1976, Liberty is 112-113-1 in day games.
Natural Versus Artificial Surfaces
Under head coach Danny Rocco, the Flames are 15-7 on artificial turf and 4-2 on natural grass. Overall, Liberty is 96-107-4 on natural grass and 75-75 on artificial turf. The Flames play their home games at Williams Stadium, which has an artificial surface, as new state-of-the-art FieldTurf was installed prior to the start of the 2006 season. Liberty has posted a 13-3 record at home since the new surface was installed.
Overtime Update
The Flames enter today's game having posted a 3-5 record in overtime games. Liberty's last overtime game came on Sept. 15, 2007, when the Flames dropped a 48-41 decision to William & Mary in double overtime in Williamsburg, Va.
Liberty has only played two of its eight overtime games away from Williams Stadium. Liberty's first extra-period game was a 34-28 road lost to Morgan State on Sept. 21, 1996. Liberty's last victory in an overtime contest came on Nov. 22, 2003, when it closed out the 2003 campaign with a 49-42 win over Hofstra.
Raising Up No. 71
Prior to the start of the Flames' contest against Tusculum on Sept. 1, 2007, Liberty ceremonially honored founder Dr. Jerry Falwell, who passed away the previous May, by starting a new game day tradition. Members of the University Police force raised a No. 71 flag underneath the Liberty Flames flag above the South end zone, just prior to the team taking the field, bringing the 14,925 fans in attendance to their feet.
The new tradition has become a permanent part of the Flames' pregame ceremonies at all home football games. A different person/group will receive the honor of raising the flag at each game. Today's honorees are members of the Liberty University Alumni Office, as this weekend is Homecoming Weekend on campus.
This year's honorees:
Aug. 30 (North Greenville) – Jerry Falwell, Jr., LU President and Chancellor
Sept. 6 (Glenville State) – Josh McDougal, former LU cross country/track and field standout
Oct. 11 (Stony Brook) – SAAC, LU's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee
Oct. 18 (Lafayette) – Representative from the Parents' Club Foundation
Oct. 25 (Charleston Southern) - Representative from Alumni Office
Back in the Big South
Liberty is in the midst of its seventh season of competition in Big South Conference action today. Since beginning league play in 2002, Liberty has posted a 15-10 Big South record, thanks to a perfect 4-0 championship record in 2007 and back-to-back 3-1 records in 2003 and 2004.
Liberty series records against Big South schools since 2002
Charleston Southern 5-1
Coastal Carolina 3-3
Gardner-Webb 2-4
Stony Brook 1-0
VMI 4-1
Note: Elon was a member of the Big South in 2002 with Elon defeating Liberty.
From "Good2Great"
Liberty captured its first-ever Big South championship last year, sweeping through the conference with an unblemished 4-0 league record. Liberty was the fifth program in league history to finish a conference campaign undefeated, winning its Big South games by more than 30 points per game (47.8 average points scored to 17.0 average points allowed).
At the Top Again
For the second year in a row, the Flames were named the preseason favorites to hoist the Big South trophy at the end of the season. Liberty garnered 12 out of 13 first-place votes in the annual Big South coaches and media preseason poll and finished 19 points ahead of second-place Coastal Carolina in total votes.
Noting the Streak
Liberty had its 11-game winning streak snapped on Oct. 18 with a 35-21 loss to Patriot League contender Lafayette. Below is a breakdown of where the streak ranked on the program, conference and national scenes heading into the contest against the Leopards:
• It was the longest winning streak in program history (bettering a 10-game winning streak which spanned the 1988 and 1989 seasons)
• It was the second longest in Big South history (longest was 14-straight by Charleston Southern over the 2005 and 2006 seasons)
• It was the nation's longest active winning streak among FCS program (ranking head of Sacred Heart, James Madison, San Diego and Elon, who all had won six-straight games)
Not Many in the NCAA Could Say the Same
Liberty's 11-game winning streak ranked as the longest active winning streak among FCS programs prior to its loss to Lafayette on Oct. 18. At the time of the loss, Liberty was one of six NCAA programs to own a double-digit winning streaks out of 629 total NCAA programs (FBS – 120, FCS – 123, Division II – 150 and Division III – 236). The Flames were joined in the elite group by BYU (FBS, 16-straight), Tuskegee (Division II, 20-straight), Bloomsburg (Division II, 12-straight), American International (Division II, 10 straight) and Wisconsin-Whitewater (Division III, 18-straight).
Big South Barrage
Despite the Flames 11-game winning streak coming to an end against Lafayette on Oct. 18, one streak remains alive for Liberty as the Flames have reeled off eight-straight Big South victories dating back to the 2006 season. The last time the Flames dropped a Big South contest was on Oct. 21, when Liberty fell, 27-24, to Gardner-Webb. The league run is tied for the best in conference history, as Coastal Carolina also had an eight-game conference winning streak (11/22/03—10/29/05).
Fierce In Front of Their Own Fans
Not only did the loss to Lafayette on Oct. 18 snap the nation's longest FCS winning streak, but it also halted an 11-game home winning streak for Liberty. The successful home victories run was the longest in program history and was the second longest in the nation at the time among FCS programs. San Diego currently holds the nation's longest FCS home winning streak at 28 games.
Homecoming Happiness
Today's game will mark the 36th Homecoming football game in the history of the program. Liberty has been very successful on the festive weekend, as the Flames enter the game having posted a 23-12 overall record in previous Homecoming contests.
Still Ranking Among the Best
The Flames lost to Lafayette last weekend snapped Liberty's 11-game winning streak and dropped the Flames six spots in the Sports Network and FCS Coaches polls. Liberty enters today's match-up with Charleston Southern ranked No. 20 in the Sports Network poll and No. 21 in the FCS Coaches national ranking. The Flames have been ranked among the nation's Top 25 programs for seven-straight weeks, setting a program record for consecutive weeks in the national polls.
More from the Polls
Speaking of votes, Liberty Head Coach Danny Rocco and Sparky, the program's mascot, are currently in the running for two national honors. In the fan portion of the poll for the Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year honor, Rocco ranked second in the Division I-AA listing, as of Thursday, while Sparky is the leading write-in candidate in the Capital One Mascot Challenge. Voting in both fan polls opened during the first week of the year and will conclude directly following the conclusion of the regular season.
Rocco Revels in Defensive Effort
The offensively minded Flames brought a smile to a 20-year defensive coaching veteran on Oct. 11, as Liberty shutout Big South newcomer Stony Brook, 33-0, at Williams Stadium. The blanking was the fifth shutout under head coach Danny Rocco and the 18th in the history of the Flames football program.
Yardage Monsters
For the fourth-straight game and the sixth time this year, the Flames surpassed the 400 total offensive yard mark against Lafayette last Saturday, finishing the game with 137 more total offensive yards than the Leopards (475 to 338). Liberty currently ranks No. 6 nationally in the statistical category, averaging 453.0 total offensive yards per game.
Passing Prowess
For the first time under head coach Danny Rocco, the Flames finished a game with 300 or more team passing yards. More than 70 percent of Liberty's offensive numbers came via the airways, as Liberty passed for 344 yards. Liberty's previous high during Rocco's three-year tenure was 281 yards against Presbyterian last year. All 344 yards came from senior Brock Smith's arm, marking the 15th best single-game passing performance in school history.
Run Game Reserved by Leopards
For the second time this year, Liberty failed to surpass the 200-yard team rushing mark, as Lafayette held the Flames to a season low 131 rushing yards. The figure was the lowest team rushing total since Liberty was held to 74 yards by Elon in 2007 and was the sixth lowest under head coach Danny Rocco. Despite the fewer rushing yards, Liberty still ranks No. 9 nationally by averaging 233.9 rushing yards per game. Since head coach Danny Rocco's arrival in 2006, Liberty has averaged 208.5 rushing yards per game and has surpassed the 200-yard plateau in 14 out of 29 games.
A Decisive Number
The Flames prolific offense is starting to catch the eye of the nation, as Liberty ranks No. 18 in scoring offense (34.3 points per game). The 30-point mark seems to be the key number for a Flames' victory, as Liberty is 16-2 under head coach Danny Rocco when Liberty scores more than 30 points in a game. The Flames are 3-7 under Rocco when Liberty fails to reach the 30-point threshold.
Points a Plenty under Rocco
In five out of seven games this year, the Flames have scored 30 or more points, doing so last against Stony Brook on Oct. 11. Liberty currently ranks No. 18 in scoring offense, as the Flames are averaging 34.3 points per game. Last year, the Flames were No. 3 in scoring offense, averaging a program and Big South record 42.6 points per game. Since head coach Danny Rocco took over the program in 2006, Liberty has averaged 33.3 points scored per game, and Liberty is 16-2 in contests when the Flames roll up 30 or more points on the scoreboard.
Don't Forget About the "D"
Despite Liberty's gaudy offensive numbers over the past two seasons, the Flames defense has played a significant factor in the team's success, bringing a smile to head coach Danny Rocco's face, as he is a 20-plus year defensive coaching veteran. Since 2006, Liberty has held its opponents to an average of 19.6 points per game, meaning Liberty is outscoring its opponents by almost two touchdowns per game (an average of 13.7 points per game).
An Active Chain Gang
One of the busiest crews on the field during a Liberty football game is the "chain gang", as Liberty enters today's match-up with Charleston Southern ranked No. 2 nationally in third-down conversion rate. Liberty has picked up a new set of downs 52.1 percent of the time in third-down situations (49-of-94). The only team to have a better third-down conversion rate nationally than Liberty is Monmouth at 56.4 percent (53-of-94).
Frequent First Downs
Liberty's potent offensive attack and high third-down conversion rate have the Flames ranked among the nation's elite in another statistical category. Liberty ranks No. 16 in first down offense, picking up an average of 21.7 first downs per game. Should the Flames continue to pick up first downs at the same rate, Liberty would break a school record. The Flames are on pace to pick up 260 total first downs this year, which would surpass the 1993 squad who finished the year with 241 first downs.
First Down Frenzy
Liberty finished the Oct. 11 contest against Stony Brook with 28 total first downs, including 17 via rushing plays. The 28 first downs were the second most under head coach Danny Rocco, ranking only behind Liberty' 29 first downs during its 31-0 shutout victory over Gardner-Webb to wrap up Liberty's first-ever Big South championship.
Fewer Infractions
During the first three games of the year, Liberty averaged 10.7 penalties per game for an average of 101 penalty yards (32 total penalties/303 total penalty yards). Over the last four games, Liberty totaled 19 infractions for 148 total yards (averaging 4.8 penalties and 37.0 penalty yards per contest). Despite the marked improvement, Liberty still ranks No. 85 nationally in penalties per game (7.29) and No. 86 in penalty yards per game (64.43).
Taking Better Care of the Rock
For the first time in three games, the Flames gave away the ball, committing two turnovers in its game against Lafayette last weekend. The Flames rank No. 38 in turnovers lost, having given the ball away 11 times in seven games. During Liberty's first two years under head coach Danny Rocco, the Flames valued possession of the football, ranking No. 7 in turnover margin in 2007 (1.27 per game) and No. 20 in 2006 (0.55 per game).
The Ideal Job
If you are looking for the "cushy" job on the Flames roster, you'll find it in the area of punting. Liberty enters today's game as the team with the fifth fewest total punts among FCS program so far in 2008. The Flames have been force to punt the ball away 19 times over seven games (2.7 times per game). Fewer punts mean Liberty's offense is successful, but it has hurt its punting game, as Liberty ranks second to last among FCS programs in net punting (averaging 25.53 yards gained by punting).
Protecting the Passer
After allowing three sacks in its season-opener against North Greenville, the Flames offensive line has banned together to allow just two sacks over the last six games. Liberty currently ranks No. 6 nationally, as the Flames are surrendering 0.71 sacks per game. Last year, Liberty finished the season ranked No. 4 in the country, as the Flames allowed 0.73 sacks per contest. All in all, the Flames have allowed less than a sack a game (0.82/23 in 28 games) since head coach Danny Rocco took over the program in 2006.
Great Out of the Gate
For the second time in program history, the Flames started the season with a 6-0 record before falling to Lafayette on Oct. 18. Liberty also accomplished the feat in 1989; however, the Flames are hoping for a better finish than the previous 6-0 squad, as the 1989 team lost three out of their last games to close out the year 7-4.
Run Stoppers
For the third time in seven games this year, an opponent was able to surpass the 100-yard mark in team rushing. Lafayette rushed for 162 yards on 39 carries, finishing the game with the second highest rushing total Liberty has allowed this year. The only other team to finish with more rushing yards in a game against Liberty this year is Glenville State, who ran for an opponent season high 209 yards. The Flames currently rank No. 31 nationally in rushing defense, allowing 115.6 team rushing yards per game.
Returning Rampage
Liberty returned five kickoffs for 125 yards against Coastal Carolina Oct. 4, tying season highs in both total kick returns and kickoff return yardage. Liberty currently ranks No. 7 nationally in kickoff returns, averaging 23.56 yards per return. The Flames are one of 21 FCS programs to have returned a kickoff for a touchdown in 2008, recording a 76-yard return against North Greenville in its season opener.
Punt Return Power Down
After five games, the Flames were ranked as one of the top punt return teams in the nation, averaging 17.6 yards per punt return. However, Liberty's last two opponents have kept the Flames from returning punts, as the Flames recorded one punt return against both Stony Brook and Lafayette. Despite the lower punt return totals of late, the Flames still rank No. 11 nationally in punt returns, now averaging 15.5 yards per return.
Kings of the Return Game
James Madison held onto its No. 1 ranking in FCS football in its last outing, thanks to a last-second punt return for a touchdown, the Dukes' third such return of the season. Liberty and James Madison are among a select few in the nation at the FCS level, as the two programs are joined by five others who have returned at least one punt and one kickoff for a touchdown in 2008. The remaining five in the elite group are Florida A&M, Georgia Southern, Hampton, Northwestern State and Tennessee-Martin.
Quickly Joining the Elite
With the Flames 33-0 victory over Stony Brook last week, head coach Danny Rocco picked up his 20th career victory at Liberty. The skipper (20-9/three seasons), who reached the 20-win plateau the quickest in program history, is currently tied with Morgan Hout (20-29-1/five seasons) for third-place on the Flames coaching charts in terms of overall victories. Rocco ranks one behind Ken Karcher (21-46/seven seasons), while legendary coach Sam Rutigliano holds the coaching record with 67 wins (67-53/11 seasons).
Legends to be Enshrined
Today during Liberty's annual Homecoming game, the Liberty University Athletics Department will be honoring long-time head coach Sam Rutigliano and former AFC Rookie of the Year and Pro Bowler Eric Green. The pair of Liberty legends will join founder Dr. Jerry Falwell, as jerseys will be retiring in honor of their accomplishments. An "HC" jersey will be hung in honor of Rutigliano, while a No. 86 jersey will rest next to Rutigliano's paying tribute to Green's storied career at Liberty during a halftime ceremony.
Coaches on the Field
At halftime of the Flames' annual Spring Football Game on April 19, head coach Danny Rocco tabbed six players for leadership roles in 2008, when the skipper named his team captains. Quarterback Brock Smith, running back Rashad Jennings and center Mike Godsil were named offensive team captains. Defensively, nose guard Colin Dugan, linebacker Nick Hursky and defensive back Ryan Greiser were recognized as this year's defensive team captains.
New Leader in the Clubhouse
Rashad Jennings rushed for 148 yards and a touchdown against Lafayette on Saturday, marking the 18th 100-yard rushing game of the senior's career. The performance moved him to the top of the Big South's all-time 100-yard rushers list, surpassing Liberty's Dre Barnes, who finished his days in the league with 17 career 100-yard games.
Standing at the Top
For the fifth-consecutive game, running back Rashad Jennings recorded a rushing touchdown, reeling off a 58-yard scoring scamper against Lafayette. The touchdown run gave the senior 230 career points at Liberty, moving him atop Liberty's all-time career scoring list among non-kicking players.
Dynamic Duo
Dominic Bolden and Jonathan Crawford both posted career numbers last Saturday against Lafayette, as the pair individually hauled in 150 and 106 receiving yards, respectively. The duo became the 15th pair in school history to surpass the 100-yard mark during the same game. The last time two receivers accomplished the feat was against Charleston Southern on Nov. 10, 2001, when Adrian Hall (133 yards) and Daniel Thomas (110 yards) helped the Flamed down the Buccaneers, 45-31.
Kevin Keeps Them Moving
Kevin Richard finished the Lafayette game with three of Liberty's four team quarterback hurries, marking a new single-game career high for the senior. The trio of quarterbacks hurries was the second highest single-game total this year by a Flames' defender, ranking only behind Asa Champman's four quarterback hurries against North Greenville in the season opener.
Mr. 3000
With his 148 rushing yards against Lafayette last weekend, Rashad Jennings eclipsed the 3,000 career rushing mark. Since joining the Flames in 2006, the senior has now rushed for 3,006 yards in 26 games (an average of 115.6 per game). Only two players stand between Jennings and the tops of Liberty's and the Big South's all-time list. Dre Barnes tops both lists, as Barnes rushed for 3,409 yards as a three-year member of the conference and 4,035 four-year member on the Flames' roster.
A Scoring Machine
Rashad Jennings, who currently ranks tied for No. 4 nationally in scoring per game (11.0), scored his 11th touchdown of the season, bursting through for a 58-yard rushing touchdown against Lafayette. The fourth-longest rushing of his career gave him 230 career points, making him Liberty's all-time leader in scoring excluding kickers. Jennings past Lawrence Worthington, who finished his career with 228 points scored.
Biggest Day for Brock
Brock Smith had a career day against Lafayette, throwing for a career-high 344 yards. The senior completed 24-of-37 pass attempts, tying a career high for single-game passing attempts and falling one shy of his career high for competitions.
Big Against the Bucs
Brock Smith enters today's game needing 172 passing yards to become the fourth quarterback in program and Big South history to surpass the career 6,000 passing mark. And if history is any indicator, he has a very good chance against Charleston Southern. The senior has thrown for 734 yards and six touchdowns in three previous games against the Buccaneers, completing 43-of-70 pass attempts (61.4 percent).
Prior to his breakout game against Lafayette last week, Smith's previous career high for yardage came against Charleston Southern, as he passed for 315 yards and three touchdowns during his freshman year, earning him the starting role he has never since relinquished.
Today's Game
The Flames return to Big South Conference action today when they welcome Charleston Southern to Williams Stadium. Both squads will be looking to rebound from setbacks the previous weekend. Liberty dropped a 35-21 contest to Lafayette, while Charleston Southern fell by one point, 20-19, in its first-ever trip to Long Island to face Big South newcomer Stony Brook.
Coach's Corner
In just two seasons at Liberty, head coach Danny Rocco has taken the Flames from 1-10 (in 2005) to Big South champions. The third-year skipper has posted a 20-9 record since taking over the program, helping him garner Big South Coach of the Year honors in back-to-back seasons. Last year, the Flames were 8-3 and a perfect 4-0 against Big South foes.
Jay Mills became the second coach in the history of the Buccaneer program, taking over as head coach in 2003. Over the past six seasons, the skipper has posted a 30-32 record, highlighted by a share of the Big South crown in 2005 and league Coach of the Year honors.
Sweet Sixteen
For the 16th-consecutive season, the Flames and the Buccaneers are meeting on the gridiron, making the series the longest running in Liberty history. The Flames have proven victorious during 13 out of the previous 15 match-ups, including both under head coach Danny Rocco. Liberty has only lost once in eight games played at Williams Stadium against Charleston Southern, falling 25-0 in 2000.
Home Sweet Home
Today, the Flames welcome visiting Charleston Southern to Williams Stadium, a facility Liberty has called home for the past 20 seasons. Liberty rallied for a 37-19 victory over Towson State on Oct. 21, 1989, and has won 65 percent of its contests since, having posted a 69-38 record at the on-campus facility. Last year, the Flames went undefeated at home for the second time in program history, posting a school-record 6-0 record, en route to their Big South title run.
Sensational Sellouts
For the 10th-straight home game, the Flames filled Williams Stadium beyond capacity, as 15,483 fans packed into the on-campus facility last weekend. The attendance figure was the second largest in the 20-year history of the stadium, falling 148 shy of the school record. Since head coach Danny Rocco has arrived at Liberty, the Flames have filled Williams Stadium beyond capacity 12 out of 16 games. Liberty has posted a 13-3 record during those contests, averaging 13,198 fans per home game.
Attending to the National Numbers
Following its 10th-consecutive sellout crowd at Williams Stadium in the Flames' 35-21 setback to Lafayette last weekend, Liberty ranks as one of the nation's elite in terms of home attendance figures. The Flames rank No. 8 nationally among FCS programs in filling stadium capacity (123.49 percent), No. 9 in total home attendance (59, 274) and No. 14 in average home attendance (14,819).
Saturday Night Lights
Under head coach Danny Rocco, the Flames are 11-3 in night games. Since 1976, Liberty has compiled a 53-65-3 in night games.
In Broad Daylight
Under head coach Danny Rocco, the Flames are 8-6 in games played during the day. Since 1976, Liberty is 112-113-1 in day games.
Natural Versus Artificial Surfaces
Under head coach Danny Rocco, the Flames are 15-7 on artificial turf and 4-2 on natural grass. Overall, Liberty is 96-107-4 on natural grass and 75-75 on artificial turf. The Flames play their home games at Williams Stadium, which has an artificial surface, as new state-of-the-art FieldTurf was installed prior to the start of the 2006 season. Liberty has posted a 13-3 record at home since the new surface was installed.
Overtime Update
The Flames enter today's game having posted a 3-5 record in overtime games. Liberty's last overtime game came on Sept. 15, 2007, when the Flames dropped a 48-41 decision to William & Mary in double overtime in Williamsburg, Va.
Liberty has only played two of its eight overtime games away from Williams Stadium. Liberty's first extra-period game was a 34-28 road lost to Morgan State on Sept. 21, 1996. Liberty's last victory in an overtime contest came on Nov. 22, 2003, when it closed out the 2003 campaign with a 49-42 win over Hofstra.
Raising Up No. 71
Prior to the start of the Flames' contest against Tusculum on Sept. 1, 2007, Liberty ceremonially honored founder Dr. Jerry Falwell, who passed away the previous May, by starting a new game day tradition. Members of the University Police force raised a No. 71 flag underneath the Liberty Flames flag above the South end zone, just prior to the team taking the field, bringing the 14,925 fans in attendance to their feet.
The new tradition has become a permanent part of the Flames' pregame ceremonies at all home football games. A different person/group will receive the honor of raising the flag at each game. Today's honorees are members of the Liberty University Alumni Office, as this weekend is Homecoming Weekend on campus.
This year's honorees:
Aug. 30 (North Greenville) – Jerry Falwell, Jr., LU President and Chancellor
Sept. 6 (Glenville State) – Josh McDougal, former LU cross country/track and field standout
Oct. 11 (Stony Brook) – SAAC, LU's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee
Oct. 18 (Lafayette) – Representative from the Parents' Club Foundation
Oct. 25 (Charleston Southern) - Representative from Alumni Office
Back in the Big South
Liberty is in the midst of its seventh season of competition in Big South Conference action today. Since beginning league play in 2002, Liberty has posted a 15-10 Big South record, thanks to a perfect 4-0 championship record in 2007 and back-to-back 3-1 records in 2003 and 2004.
Liberty series records against Big South schools since 2002
Charleston Southern 5-1
Coastal Carolina 3-3
Gardner-Webb 2-4
Stony Brook 1-0
VMI 4-1
Note: Elon was a member of the Big South in 2002 with Elon defeating Liberty.
From "Good2Great"
Liberty captured its first-ever Big South championship last year, sweeping through the conference with an unblemished 4-0 league record. Liberty was the fifth program in league history to finish a conference campaign undefeated, winning its Big South games by more than 30 points per game (47.8 average points scored to 17.0 average points allowed).
At the Top Again
For the second year in a row, the Flames were named the preseason favorites to hoist the Big South trophy at the end of the season. Liberty garnered 12 out of 13 first-place votes in the annual Big South coaches and media preseason poll and finished 19 points ahead of second-place Coastal Carolina in total votes.
Noting the Streak
Liberty had its 11-game winning streak snapped on Oct. 18 with a 35-21 loss to Patriot League contender Lafayette. Below is a breakdown of where the streak ranked on the program, conference and national scenes heading into the contest against the Leopards:
• It was the longest winning streak in program history (bettering a 10-game winning streak which spanned the 1988 and 1989 seasons)
• It was the second longest in Big South history (longest was 14-straight by Charleston Southern over the 2005 and 2006 seasons)
• It was the nation's longest active winning streak among FCS program (ranking head of Sacred Heart, James Madison, San Diego and Elon, who all had won six-straight games)
Not Many in the NCAA Could Say the Same
Liberty's 11-game winning streak ranked as the longest active winning streak among FCS programs prior to its loss to Lafayette on Oct. 18. At the time of the loss, Liberty was one of six NCAA programs to own a double-digit winning streaks out of 629 total NCAA programs (FBS – 120, FCS – 123, Division II – 150 and Division III – 236). The Flames were joined in the elite group by BYU (FBS, 16-straight), Tuskegee (Division II, 20-straight), Bloomsburg (Division II, 12-straight), American International (Division II, 10 straight) and Wisconsin-Whitewater (Division III, 18-straight).
Big South Barrage
Despite the Flames 11-game winning streak coming to an end against Lafayette on Oct. 18, one streak remains alive for Liberty as the Flames have reeled off eight-straight Big South victories dating back to the 2006 season. The last time the Flames dropped a Big South contest was on Oct. 21, when Liberty fell, 27-24, to Gardner-Webb. The league run is tied for the best in conference history, as Coastal Carolina also had an eight-game conference winning streak (11/22/03—10/29/05).
Fierce In Front of Their Own Fans
Not only did the loss to Lafayette on Oct. 18 snap the nation's longest FCS winning streak, but it also halted an 11-game home winning streak for Liberty. The successful home victories run was the longest in program history and was the second longest in the nation at the time among FCS programs. San Diego currently holds the nation's longest FCS home winning streak at 28 games.
Homecoming Happiness
Today's game will mark the 36th Homecoming football game in the history of the program. Liberty has been very successful on the festive weekend, as the Flames enter the game having posted a 23-12 overall record in previous Homecoming contests.
Still Ranking Among the Best
The Flames lost to Lafayette last weekend snapped Liberty's 11-game winning streak and dropped the Flames six spots in the Sports Network and FCS Coaches polls. Liberty enters today's match-up with Charleston Southern ranked No. 20 in the Sports Network poll and No. 21 in the FCS Coaches national ranking. The Flames have been ranked among the nation's Top 25 programs for seven-straight weeks, setting a program record for consecutive weeks in the national polls.
More from the Polls
Speaking of votes, Liberty Head Coach Danny Rocco and Sparky, the program's mascot, are currently in the running for two national honors. In the fan portion of the poll for the Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year honor, Rocco ranked second in the Division I-AA listing, as of Thursday, while Sparky is the leading write-in candidate in the Capital One Mascot Challenge. Voting in both fan polls opened during the first week of the year and will conclude directly following the conclusion of the regular season.
Rocco Revels in Defensive Effort
The offensively minded Flames brought a smile to a 20-year defensive coaching veteran on Oct. 11, as Liberty shutout Big South newcomer Stony Brook, 33-0, at Williams Stadium. The blanking was the fifth shutout under head coach Danny Rocco and the 18th in the history of the Flames football program.
Yardage Monsters
For the fourth-straight game and the sixth time this year, the Flames surpassed the 400 total offensive yard mark against Lafayette last Saturday, finishing the game with 137 more total offensive yards than the Leopards (475 to 338). Liberty currently ranks No. 6 nationally in the statistical category, averaging 453.0 total offensive yards per game.
Passing Prowess
For the first time under head coach Danny Rocco, the Flames finished a game with 300 or more team passing yards. More than 70 percent of Liberty's offensive numbers came via the airways, as Liberty passed for 344 yards. Liberty's previous high during Rocco's three-year tenure was 281 yards against Presbyterian last year. All 344 yards came from senior Brock Smith's arm, marking the 15th best single-game passing performance in school history.
Run Game Reserved by Leopards
For the second time this year, Liberty failed to surpass the 200-yard team rushing mark, as Lafayette held the Flames to a season low 131 rushing yards. The figure was the lowest team rushing total since Liberty was held to 74 yards by Elon in 2007 and was the sixth lowest under head coach Danny Rocco. Despite the fewer rushing yards, Liberty still ranks No. 9 nationally by averaging 233.9 rushing yards per game. Since head coach Danny Rocco's arrival in 2006, Liberty has averaged 208.5 rushing yards per game and has surpassed the 200-yard plateau in 14 out of 29 games.
A Decisive Number
The Flames prolific offense is starting to catch the eye of the nation, as Liberty ranks No. 18 in scoring offense (34.3 points per game). The 30-point mark seems to be the key number for a Flames' victory, as Liberty is 16-2 under head coach Danny Rocco when Liberty scores more than 30 points in a game. The Flames are 3-7 under Rocco when Liberty fails to reach the 30-point threshold.
Points a Plenty under Rocco
In five out of seven games this year, the Flames have scored 30 or more points, doing so last against Stony Brook on Oct. 11. Liberty currently ranks No. 18 in scoring offense, as the Flames are averaging 34.3 points per game. Last year, the Flames were No. 3 in scoring offense, averaging a program and Big South record 42.6 points per game. Since head coach Danny Rocco took over the program in 2006, Liberty has averaged 33.3 points scored per game, and Liberty is 16-2 in contests when the Flames roll up 30 or more points on the scoreboard.
Don't Forget About the "D"
Despite Liberty's gaudy offensive numbers over the past two seasons, the Flames defense has played a significant factor in the team's success, bringing a smile to head coach Danny Rocco's face, as he is a 20-plus year defensive coaching veteran. Since 2006, Liberty has held its opponents to an average of 19.6 points per game, meaning Liberty is outscoring its opponents by almost two touchdowns per game (an average of 13.7 points per game).
An Active Chain Gang
One of the busiest crews on the field during a Liberty football game is the "chain gang", as Liberty enters today's match-up with Charleston Southern ranked No. 2 nationally in third-down conversion rate. Liberty has picked up a new set of downs 52.1 percent of the time in third-down situations (49-of-94). The only team to have a better third-down conversion rate nationally than Liberty is Monmouth at 56.4 percent (53-of-94).
Frequent First Downs
Liberty's potent offensive attack and high third-down conversion rate have the Flames ranked among the nation's elite in another statistical category. Liberty ranks No. 16 in first down offense, picking up an average of 21.7 first downs per game. Should the Flames continue to pick up first downs at the same rate, Liberty would break a school record. The Flames are on pace to pick up 260 total first downs this year, which would surpass the 1993 squad who finished the year with 241 first downs.
First Down Frenzy
Liberty finished the Oct. 11 contest against Stony Brook with 28 total first downs, including 17 via rushing plays. The 28 first downs were the second most under head coach Danny Rocco, ranking only behind Liberty' 29 first downs during its 31-0 shutout victory over Gardner-Webb to wrap up Liberty's first-ever Big South championship.
Fewer Infractions
During the first three games of the year, Liberty averaged 10.7 penalties per game for an average of 101 penalty yards (32 total penalties/303 total penalty yards). Over the last four games, Liberty totaled 19 infractions for 148 total yards (averaging 4.8 penalties and 37.0 penalty yards per contest). Despite the marked improvement, Liberty still ranks No. 85 nationally in penalties per game (7.29) and No. 86 in penalty yards per game (64.43).
Taking Better Care of the Rock
For the first time in three games, the Flames gave away the ball, committing two turnovers in its game against Lafayette last weekend. The Flames rank No. 38 in turnovers lost, having given the ball away 11 times in seven games. During Liberty's first two years under head coach Danny Rocco, the Flames valued possession of the football, ranking No. 7 in turnover margin in 2007 (1.27 per game) and No. 20 in 2006 (0.55 per game).
The Ideal Job
If you are looking for the "cushy" job on the Flames roster, you'll find it in the area of punting. Liberty enters today's game as the team with the fifth fewest total punts among FCS program so far in 2008. The Flames have been force to punt the ball away 19 times over seven games (2.7 times per game). Fewer punts mean Liberty's offense is successful, but it has hurt its punting game, as Liberty ranks second to last among FCS programs in net punting (averaging 25.53 yards gained by punting).
Protecting the Passer
After allowing three sacks in its season-opener against North Greenville, the Flames offensive line has banned together to allow just two sacks over the last six games. Liberty currently ranks No. 6 nationally, as the Flames are surrendering 0.71 sacks per game. Last year, Liberty finished the season ranked No. 4 in the country, as the Flames allowed 0.73 sacks per contest. All in all, the Flames have allowed less than a sack a game (0.82/23 in 28 games) since head coach Danny Rocco took over the program in 2006.
Great Out of the Gate
For the second time in program history, the Flames started the season with a 6-0 record before falling to Lafayette on Oct. 18. Liberty also accomplished the feat in 1989; however, the Flames are hoping for a better finish than the previous 6-0 squad, as the 1989 team lost three out of their last games to close out the year 7-4.
Run Stoppers
For the third time in seven games this year, an opponent was able to surpass the 100-yard mark in team rushing. Lafayette rushed for 162 yards on 39 carries, finishing the game with the second highest rushing total Liberty has allowed this year. The only other team to finish with more rushing yards in a game against Liberty this year is Glenville State, who ran for an opponent season high 209 yards. The Flames currently rank No. 31 nationally in rushing defense, allowing 115.6 team rushing yards per game.
Returning Rampage
Liberty returned five kickoffs for 125 yards against Coastal Carolina Oct. 4, tying season highs in both total kick returns and kickoff return yardage. Liberty currently ranks No. 7 nationally in kickoff returns, averaging 23.56 yards per return. The Flames are one of 21 FCS programs to have returned a kickoff for a touchdown in 2008, recording a 76-yard return against North Greenville in its season opener.
Punt Return Power Down
After five games, the Flames were ranked as one of the top punt return teams in the nation, averaging 17.6 yards per punt return. However, Liberty's last two opponents have kept the Flames from returning punts, as the Flames recorded one punt return against both Stony Brook and Lafayette. Despite the lower punt return totals of late, the Flames still rank No. 11 nationally in punt returns, now averaging 15.5 yards per return.
Kings of the Return Game
James Madison held onto its No. 1 ranking in FCS football in its last outing, thanks to a last-second punt return for a touchdown, the Dukes' third such return of the season. Liberty and James Madison are among a select few in the nation at the FCS level, as the two programs are joined by five others who have returned at least one punt and one kickoff for a touchdown in 2008. The remaining five in the elite group are Florida A&M, Georgia Southern, Hampton, Northwestern State and Tennessee-Martin.
Quickly Joining the Elite
With the Flames 33-0 victory over Stony Brook last week, head coach Danny Rocco picked up his 20th career victory at Liberty. The skipper (20-9/three seasons), who reached the 20-win plateau the quickest in program history, is currently tied with Morgan Hout (20-29-1/five seasons) for third-place on the Flames coaching charts in terms of overall victories. Rocco ranks one behind Ken Karcher (21-46/seven seasons), while legendary coach Sam Rutigliano holds the coaching record with 67 wins (67-53/11 seasons).
Legends to be Enshrined
Today during Liberty's annual Homecoming game, the Liberty University Athletics Department will be honoring long-time head coach Sam Rutigliano and former AFC Rookie of the Year and Pro Bowler Eric Green. The pair of Liberty legends will join founder Dr. Jerry Falwell, as jerseys will be retiring in honor of their accomplishments. An "HC" jersey will be hung in honor of Rutigliano, while a No. 86 jersey will rest next to Rutigliano's paying tribute to Green's storied career at Liberty during a halftime ceremony.
Coaches on the Field
At halftime of the Flames' annual Spring Football Game on April 19, head coach Danny Rocco tabbed six players for leadership roles in 2008, when the skipper named his team captains. Quarterback Brock Smith, running back Rashad Jennings and center Mike Godsil were named offensive team captains. Defensively, nose guard Colin Dugan, linebacker Nick Hursky and defensive back Ryan Greiser were recognized as this year's defensive team captains.
New Leader in the Clubhouse
Rashad Jennings rushed for 148 yards and a touchdown against Lafayette on Saturday, marking the 18th 100-yard rushing game of the senior's career. The performance moved him to the top of the Big South's all-time 100-yard rushers list, surpassing Liberty's Dre Barnes, who finished his days in the league with 17 career 100-yard games.
Standing at the Top
For the fifth-consecutive game, running back Rashad Jennings recorded a rushing touchdown, reeling off a 58-yard scoring scamper against Lafayette. The touchdown run gave the senior 230 career points at Liberty, moving him atop Liberty's all-time career scoring list among non-kicking players.
Dynamic Duo
Dominic Bolden and Jonathan Crawford both posted career numbers last Saturday against Lafayette, as the pair individually hauled in 150 and 106 receiving yards, respectively. The duo became the 15th pair in school history to surpass the 100-yard mark during the same game. The last time two receivers accomplished the feat was against Charleston Southern on Nov. 10, 2001, when Adrian Hall (133 yards) and Daniel Thomas (110 yards) helped the Flamed down the Buccaneers, 45-31.
Kevin Keeps Them Moving
Kevin Richard finished the Lafayette game with three of Liberty's four team quarterback hurries, marking a new single-game career high for the senior. The trio of quarterbacks hurries was the second highest single-game total this year by a Flames' defender, ranking only behind Asa Champman's four quarterback hurries against North Greenville in the season opener.
Mr. 3000
With his 148 rushing yards against Lafayette last weekend, Rashad Jennings eclipsed the 3,000 career rushing mark. Since joining the Flames in 2006, the senior has now rushed for 3,006 yards in 26 games (an average of 115.6 per game). Only two players stand between Jennings and the tops of Liberty's and the Big South's all-time list. Dre Barnes tops both lists, as Barnes rushed for 3,409 yards as a three-year member of the conference and 4,035 four-year member on the Flames' roster.
A Scoring Machine
Rashad Jennings, who currently ranks tied for No. 4 nationally in scoring per game (11.0), scored his 11th touchdown of the season, bursting through for a 58-yard rushing touchdown against Lafayette. The fourth-longest rushing of his career gave him 230 career points, making him Liberty's all-time leader in scoring excluding kickers. Jennings past Lawrence Worthington, who finished his career with 228 points scored.
Biggest Day for Brock
Brock Smith had a career day against Lafayette, throwing for a career-high 344 yards. The senior completed 24-of-37 pass attempts, tying a career high for single-game passing attempts and falling one shy of his career high for competitions.
Big Against the Bucs
Brock Smith enters today's game needing 172 passing yards to become the fourth quarterback in program and Big South history to surpass the career 6,000 passing mark. And if history is any indicator, he has a very good chance against Charleston Southern. The senior has thrown for 734 yards and six touchdowns in three previous games against the Buccaneers, completing 43-of-70 pass attempts (61.4 percent).
Prior to his breakout game against Lafayette last week, Smith's previous career high for yardage came against Charleston Southern, as he passed for 315 yards and three touchdowns during his freshman year, earning him the starting role he has never since relinquished.
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