Gardner-Webb Game Notes Available
11/13/2008 12:00:00 AM | Football
Gardner-Webb Game Notes
Today's Game
The Flames enter tonight's match-up with Gardner-Webb having already claimed their second straight Big South Conference championship. The outcomes of both Liberty's and Gardner-Webb's games from last week gave the Flames this year's trophy. Liberty won 38-26 at VMI, while Gardner-Webb dropped a 23-18 decision at home to Coastal Carolina, giving the Flames a two-game lead in the conference standings with one game left to play.
Coach's Corner
In just three seasons at Liberty, head coach Danny Rocco has taken the Flames from 1-10 (in 2005) to back-to-back Big South Conference championships. The third-year skipper has posted a 22-10 record since taking over the program, helping him garner Big South Coach of the Year honors in both 2007 and 2008. Last year, the Flames were 8-3 and a perfect 4-0 against Big South foes.
Steve Patton is the elder statesman of the Big South coaching ranks, having guided Gardner-Webb to a 77-53 record over the past 12 seasons. The 17-year head coaching veteran led the Bulldogs to consecutive Big South championships in 2002 and 2003, garnering Big South Coach of the Year honors both seasons.
Twice as Nice
Liberty's victory over VMI last weekend, coupled with Gardner-Webb's loss to Coastal Carolina, gave the Flames the Big South Conference title for the second straight season. Liberty is one of three programs in league history to win consecutive titles. Gardner-Webb hoisted back-to-back trophies in 2002 and 2003, while Coastal Carolina reeled off three straight championship seasons in 2004, 2004 and 2006.
Back against the Bulldogs
Tonight's meeting will mark the 15th time the Flames and the Bulldogs have squared off on the gridiron, making Gardner-Webb Liberty's second-most frequently played opponent. Since the series was renewed in 2000, the Bulldogs have won five out of the last eight meetings, giving Gardner-Webb an overall 8-5-1 series edge. Last year, the Flames capped of their first-ever Big South championship season with a 31-0 shutout over the Bulldogs in Boiling Springs, N.C., on Nov. 17, sealing Liberty's league title.
Home Sweet Home
Tonight, the Flames welcome visiting Gardner-Webb 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 71-38 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 mark, en route to their Big South title run.
Sensational Sellouts
For the 11th-straight home game, the Flames filled Williams Stadium beyond capacity, as 14,365 fans packed into the on-campus facility against Charleston Southern on Oct. 25. The attendance figure was the seventh largest in the 20-year history of the stadium. Since head coach Danny Rocco has arrived at Liberty, the Flames have filled Williams Stadium beyond capacity 13 out of 17 games. Liberty has posted a 14-3 record during those contests, averaging 13,267 fans per home game.
Attending to the National Numbers
Following its 11th-consecutive sellout crowd at Williams Stadium in the Flames' 42-0 shutout over Charleston Southern on Oct. 25, Liberty ranks as one of the nation's elite FCS programs in terms of home attendance figures. The Flames now rank No. 6 nationally in filling stadium capacity (122.73 percent), No. 11 in total home attendance (73,639) and No. 12 in average home attendance (14,728).
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 record in night games.
In Broad Daylight
Under head coach Danny Rocco, the Flames are 11-7 in games played during the day. Since 1976, Liberty is 113-114-1 in day games.
Natural Versus Artificial Surfaces
Under head coach Danny Rocco, the Flames are 16-7 on artificial turf and 6-3 on natural grass. Overall, Liberty is 97-108-4 on natural grass and 76-75 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 14-3 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 loss 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 had 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 honoree will be a representative from Liberty's 2007 Big South Conference football championship team.
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
Nov. 15 (Gardner-Webb) - Representative from the 2007 Big South Championship team
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 17-10 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 6-1
Coastal Carolina 3-3
Gardner-Webb 2-4
Stony Brook 1-0
VMI 5-1
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 programs (ranking ahead 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 streak 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 10-straight Big South victories dating back to the 2006 season. The last time the Flames dropped a Big South contest was on Oct. 28, when Liberty fell, 28-26, to No. 22 Coastal Carolina. The league run is the longest in Big South history, bettering Coastal Carolina's eight-game conference winning streak that spanned three seasons (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 victory run was the longest in program history and was the second longest in the nation at the time among FCS programs. San Diego holds the nation's longest FCS home winning streak at 28 games.
The Votes are In
The Flames 12-point win over VMI last weekend caught the eye of the national pollsters, as Liberty moved up three spots in the FCS Coaches poll and one spot in the Sports Network rankings, as Liberty enters the weekend ranked No. 22 and 24, respectively. The Flames have been ranked among the nation's Top 25 programs for 10-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 Wednesday, while Sparky is the second 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.
Sensational Shutouts
For the second time under head coach Danny Rocco, the Flames recorded multiple shutouts in the same season. Earlier this year, the Flames blanked Stony Brook, 33-0, in the Seawolves' first-ever Big South game. On Oct. 25, the Flames shut out Charleston Southern, 42-0, making Liberty the first-ever Big South team to shut out back-to-back opponents. The blanking was the sixth under head coach Danny Rocco and the 19th in program history.
Rocco Quickly Joins Elite
In just three seasons, head coach Danny Rocco has moved into third place on the Flames coaching ranks, as Liberty's victory over VMI last weekend was Rocco's 22nd at Liberty. Ranking ahead of Rocco are Tom Dowling with 33 wins (33-38-2) and Sam Rutigliano, who is the winningest coach in program history (67-53).
Offensive Obsession
For the seventh-straight game and the ninth time this year, the Flames surpassed the 400 total offensive yard mark against VMI last Saturday, finishing the game with 425 total offensive yards against the Keydets. The yardage run currently has Liberty ranked No. 8 nationally in the statistical category, averaging 451.20 total offensive yards per game.
By a Wide Margin
The Flames outgained Charleston Southern by 301 yards on Oct. 25, helping Liberty post its second-straight shutout victory. The total offensive yardage margin was the second largest under head coach Danny Rocco. Last year, the Flames outgained St. Francis, Pa., by 382 yards (591-209).
Frequent Flyer Miles
Prior to its match-up with Presbyterian, where the Flames threw for 204 yards, the Flames posted back-to-back 300-plus yard passing games against Lafayette and Charleston Southern. Against the Buccaneers, the Flames got 304 of their 492 total offensive yards via the passing game. Liberty passed for 344 yards against Lafayette, marking the most passing yards during head coach Danny Rocco's tenure. Prior to the Flames' last two games, Liberty's previous passing high under Rocco was 281 yards against Presbyterian last year. The Flames currently rank third in the Big South in passing yards per game (227.8).
Nearly Missing the Mark
For the third time in four games, the Flames missed surpassing the 200-yard rushing mark, as Liberty ran for 189 yards in its 12-point victory over VMI. Liberty currently ranks No. 10 nationally, by averaging 223.40 rushing yards per game. Since head coach Danny Rocco's arrival in 2006, Liberty has averaged 207.6 rushing yards per game and has surpassed the 200-yard plateau in 15 out of 32 games.
Approaching Record-Setting Marks
Liberty enters its match-up with Big South foe Gardner-Webb on the verge of setting two prominent records. Liberty has rushed for 2,234 yards in 2008, leaving the Flames 380 yards shy of matching the Flames' all-time record of 2,614 set by the 2003 squad. The Flames also need 345 total offensive yards to surpass the 1994 team, which finished that campaign with a program best 4,856 total offensive yards.
Danny Remains Defense
The Flames held Charleston Southern to 191 total offensive yards on Oct. 25, helping guide Liberty to a 42-0 shutout victory. The figure marked a new season low for a Liberty opponent and was the third fewest yards allowed since head coach Danny Rocco took over the team in 2006. Liberty currently ranks No. 51 nationally in total defense, allowing an average of 338.60 total offensive yards per game.
A Decisive Number
The Flames' prolific offense is starting to catch the eye of the nation, as Liberty ranks No. 16 in scoring offense (34.80 points per game). The 30-point mark seems to be the key number for a Flames victory, as Liberty is 18-2 under head coach Danny Rocco when Liberty scores more than 30 points in a game. The Flames are 4-8 under Rocco when Liberty fails to reach the 30-point threshold.
Points a Plenty under Rocco
In seven out of 10 games this year, the Flames have scored 30 or more points, doing so again in a 38-26 victory over VMI last weekend. Liberty currently ranks No. 14 nationally in scoring offense, as the Flames are averaging 34.80 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 33.5 points scored per game, and Liberty is 18-2 in contests in which 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-plus 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 19.4 points per game, meaning Liberty is outscoring its opponents by more than two touchdowns per game (an average of 14.1 points per game) over the span.
Bested at their Own Game
Liberty won the most important battle last Saturday against VMI, taking the contests, 38-26, to clinch its second Big South title. However, the Keydets won the rushing contest, which pitted two of the nation's elite rushing attacks. VMI nearly doubled the Flames ground yards, 372 to 189, allowing the Keydets to regain the nation's lead in the offensive category. The largest rushing total allowed by Liberty caused the Flames to go from No. 24 nationally in rushing yards allowed to No. 45 (133.20).
Strength Against Strength
Saturday's game against Gardner-Webb is going to pit two team strengths against each other. Liberty ranks No. 10 nationally in rushing yards per game (223.40) against the Bulldogs, who rank No. 27 in rushing defense (110.6 rushing yards per game). Gardner-Webb has held seven of its 10 opponents under the century mark, not letting an opponent run for 100 yards until Presbyterian did so (110 yards) in the seventh game of the year. However, three out of its last four opponents have passed the 100-yard mark, including back-to-back 300-yard games by VMI (321 yards) and Stony Brook (316 yards).
Better than All the Rest
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 Gardner-Webb as the nation's leader in third-down conversions. Despite a season worst performance, where Liberty converted on 3-of-9 third-down plays against VMI last Saturday, the Flames have now picked up a new set of downs 53.1 percent of the time in third-down situations (68-of-128). The Flames are averaging 6.8 third-down conversions per game.
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. 13 in first down offense, picking up an average of 21.80 first downs per game (218 total). 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 262 total first downs this year, which would surpass the 1993 squad, who finished the year with 241 first downs.
First Down Frenzy
For just the second time this year, Liberty failed to reach the 20 first down mark against VMI, as the Flames finished with a season low 16 first downs in a 12-point victory over the Keydets. Prior to the contest, Liberty had finished 13 out of 14 games with 20 or more first downs. Two games ago against Presbyterian, Liberty finished with 26 first downs, the second highest total by the Flames this year.
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 seven games, Liberty totaled 31 infractions for 243 total yards (averaging 4.4 penalties and 34.7 penalty yards per contest). Despite the marked improvement, Liberty still ranks No. 67 nationally in penalties per game (6.30) and No. 62 in average penalty yards per game (54.60).
Trying to Take Better Care of the Ball
For the seventh time in 10 games, Liberty finished a contest with a positive turnover margin. Liberty gave up the ball on its first play from scrimmage, fumbling the ball back to the Keydets. VMI continued its string of careless ball carrying, committing six fumbles and giving the ball away twice. The Flames currently rank No. 43 nationally in turnover margin (0.30). 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 tied for the fourth fewest total punts among FCS programs so far in 2008. The Flames have been forced to punt the ball away 29 times over 10 games (2.9 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 26.31 yards gained by punting).
Eight Is Great
The Flames enter the Gardner-Webb contest winners of eight of 10 games in 2008. With the run of victories, Liberty is one of 14 FCS programs to have reached the eight-win plateau this year. Only three other FCS programs have more wins than Liberty in 2008, as Dayton and Montana have a 9-1 record, while Weber State is 9-2.
But Nine Is Best
Liberty's victory over VMI last weekend gave the Flames their eighth victory on the year and back-to-back eight-win seasons for the first time in program history. Only five other Liberty teams have finished a season with eight or more wins. The Flames enter tonight's dual with Gardner-Webb needing one more victory to tie a record, as the 1979 (9-1-1) and 1997 (9-2) squads hold the record for most wins in a single season.
Road Warriors
Prior to Liberty's loss at Presbyterian on Nov. 1, the Flames had claimed victory in five-straight road games. The run was the longest road winning streak in Big South history and was the second-longest active winning streak among FCS programs. Lafayette, who entered the same week with the nation's longest FCS winning streak, suffered a setback to Colgate on the road, leaving Cal Poly with the nation's longest current winning streak at five games.
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 four out of its last five games to close out the year 7-4.
Brock's Best Friends
After allowing three sacks in its season opener against North Greenville, the Flames offensive line has banded together to allow just four sacks over the last nine games. Liberty currently ranks No. 5 nationally, as the Flames are surrendering 0.70 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 per game (0.81/26 in 32 games) since head coach Danny Rocco took over the program in 2006.
Picking Them Off
For the third time this year, the Flames finished a game with multiple interceptions, picking off Charleston Southern quarterback Tribble Reese twice on Oct. 25, accounting for a pair of the Buccaneers' turnovers. Against Presbyterian, Patrick Calvary picked off his eighth career pass to push Liberty's team total to 10 interceptions in 2008, giving Liberty an interception in five out of six games. The Flames didn't stand much of a chance to add to their interception total last weekend against the nation's lowest passing offense in VMI, falling to No. 54 nationally in passes intercepted.
Returning Rampage
Liberty finished the Presbyterian game on Nov. 1 with a season-high six kickoff returns for 124 total yards. The yardage total was the third highest this year, falling one yard shy of tying the team's mark of 125 yards against Western Carolina and Coastal Carolina. Liberty currently ranks No. 9 nationally in kickoff returns, averaging 22.97 yards per return. The Flames are one of 30 FCS programs to have returned a kickoff for a touchdown in 2008, recording a 76-yard return by Jonathan Crawford 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 five opponents have kept the Flames from returning punts, as the Flames have returned just six punts over the last five games for a total of zero yards. Following the lower punt return numbers, Liberty now ranks No. 24 nationally in punt returns, averaging 12.24 yards per return.
Kings of the Return Game
James Madison held onto its No. 1 ranking in FCS football following the weekend of Oct. 18, thanks to a last-second punt return for a touchdown, the Dukes' fourth 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 16 others who have returned at least one punt and one kickoff for a touchdown in 2008.
Keydets Charge Further than Others
VMI was one of three opponents this season to record more than three tackles for a loss against Liberty's offense, as the Keydets tallied four negative-yardage stops for a total loss of nine yards. The Flames currently rank No. 3 nationally in fewest tackles for a loss allowed per game (3.60), resulting in a loss of 14.3 average yards per game.
Both Teams Have Red Zone Rapport
Gardner-Webb and Liberty are two of the nation's best when it comes to scoring from inside their opponent's 20-yard line. Gardner-Webb ranks No. 29, having scored 84 percent of the time inside the Red Zone, while Liberty ranks No. 37 just two percentage points below the Bulldogs (82 percent).
Legends Enshrined
During Liberty's annual Homecoming game on Oct. 25, the Liberty University Athletics Department honored long-time head coach Sam Rutigliano and former AFC Rookie of the Year and Pro Bowler Eric Green. The pair of Liberty legends joined founder Dr. Jerry Falwell, as jerseys were retired in honor of their accomplishments. A "HC" jersey now hangs in honor of Rutigliano, while a No. 86 jersey rests next to Rutigliano's, paying tribute to Green's storied career at Liberty.
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.
The League's Elite
Rashad Jennings was tabbed the Big South Preseason Offensive Player of the Year at the conference's annual media day on July 25. Jennings, last year's Big South Offensive Player of the Year, set new Big South records in rushing touchdowns (15), all-purpose yards (154.3 per game), total touchdowns scored (17) and points scored (104). Jennings, along with seven other Flames, was named to the Big South's preseason all-conference team, giving Liberty more preseason selects than any other program in the conference this year.
Duo Grabs All-America Honors
Rashad Jennings and Dominic Bolden were named to the Sports Network's Preseason All-America teams on Aug. 22. Jennings grabbed first-team honors as the nation's premium FCS running back, while Bolden was recognized for his stellar return abilities as a third-team honoree at kickoff return specialist. Both Jennings and Bolden were named to the Sports Network's honorable-mention All-America squad at their respective positions at the end of the 2007 campaign.
Simply the Best
For the 10th consecutive game, Rashad Jennings surpassed the 100-yard mark, as the senior rushed for 147 yards and two touchdowns last weekend at VMI. The figure pushed the senior's total to 3,468 career rushing yards, helping him become the Big South's all-time leading rusher. Jennings surpassed former Flame Dre Barners, who finished the last three years of his career playing in the Big South, where he ran for 3,409 yards.
Tops of the List
Besides passing Dre Barnes for the Big South all-time rushing mark, Rashad Jennings bested one of Barnes' Liberty markers. Jennings rushed for 147 yards on 24 carries, marking his 21st career 100-yard game. Barnes finished his four-year career with 20 100-yard games, while Jennings has surpassed the mark in 21 out of 29 career games over a three-year span.
Making it Look Easy
For the eighth-consecutive game, running back Rashad Jennings recorded a rushing touchdown, finding the end zone twice during the contest against VMI last weekend. The pair of scores gave the senior 266 career points at Liberty, continuing to expand his career record as the Flames' all-time scoring leader among non-kicking players.
Jennings needs 21 more points to become the Big South player with the most points scored by a non-kicking player, as Coastal Carolina's Aundres Perkins holds the record with 286 points.
Leader of the Pack
For the third straight game and the 15th time in his career, Rashad Jennings recorded multiple rushing touchdowns in the same games, as he scored twice against VMI last weekend. The pair of scores gave him 40 career rushing touchdowns, which is a program record and currently ranks sixth behind Coastal Carolina Aundres Perkins, who set the Big South's record in 2006 with 46 career rushing touchdowns.
Mr. Consistency
With his 127 rushing yards against Charleston Southern on Oct. 25, Rashad Jennings hit the 1,000-yard mark on the nose for the season. Since joining the Flames roster in 2006, Jennings has reached the 1,000-yard plateau all three seasons to become the first running back in program and Big South history to accomplish the feat.
The New Standard
Rashad Jennings has rushed for 100 or more yards in 10-straight games, shattering program and Big South Conference records. The previous school and league record was held by Eugene Goodman, who rushed for 100 or more yards over seven-consecutive games before his senior year was cut short when he suffered an injury against Gardner-Webb on Oct. 2, 2004.
One of the Best
Rashad Jennings enters the game leading the Big South in rushing yards per game, scoring and all-purpose yards. The senior is averaging 148.3 rushing yards per game, which ranks No. 2 nationally in the statistical category. Jennings also ranks tied for No. 4 in the country in scoring (11.33 points per game) and No. 11 in average all-purpose yards (162.11).
Still One First for Jennings
Despite just becoming the Big South's all-time career leading rusher, Rashad Jennings is still shooting for a conference single-season record. The senior has yet to lead the league in rushing for a year. During his first two years, Jennings has finished just behind two different Keydets. In 2006, he finished two yards behind Sean Mizzer (1,022 to 1,020 yards). Last year, he finished eight yards behind Howard Abegesah (1,121 to 1,113), meaning Jennings has missed the mark by a combined 10 yards over his first two years at Liberty.
Single-Season King
Rashad Jennings enters the Gardner-Webb game having rushed for 1,335 yards and 15 touchdowns this year. He needs 13 yards to set a new single season program and Big South record, as Dre Barnes finished the 2003 season with 1,347 rushing yards. The senior's 15 rushing touchdowns ties his own Big South single season record and stands just one shy of Lawrence Worthington's all-time mark of 16 touchdowns in 1995.
Back to Back
With his two rushing touchdowns against VMI last weekend, Rashad Jennings pushed his season scoring mark to 102 points, becoming the first play in program history to score 100 points in consecutive seasons. The senior set a new program and Big South record with 104 points scored last year on 17 touchdowns and a pair of two-point conversions.
Streaking Quarterback Halted
After back-to-back games with 250 or more passing yards, Brock Smith failed to reach the mark against Presbyterian on Nov. 1. He finished the game against the Blue Hose with his lowest completion percentage of the season at 50.0 percent (15-of-30), marking the first time this year the quarterback has failed to finish a game with a competition percentage above the 60 percent mark. The consecutive 250-yard passing performances gave Smith nine for his career, which ranks seventh in program history.
Playing with the Big Boys
Brock Smith's 269 passing yards against Charleston Southern on Oct. 25, his fourth best single-game passing performance in his career. The figure pushed him over the 6,000 career passing mark, making him the fourth quarterback in program and Big South to accomplish the feat. Smith enters today's game with 6,537 career passing yards, needing 62 yards to surpass former Coastal Carolina quarterback Tyler Thigpen's mark of 6,598, who is currently the starting quarterback for the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs.
Always on the Mark
Brock Smith enters today's game as one of the most efficient passers in the nation. The senior currently ranks No. 8 nationally in passing efficiency, boasting a 159.51 passer ranking. Should the season end today, Smith would finish his career as the most proficient passer in Liberty and Big South history. The senior has a 146.7 career passer efficiency rating, ranking ahead of Charleston Southern's Collin Drafts (134.4) and Liberty's Robby Justino (132.6) in the respective rankings.
A Dynamic Duo
Against Lafayette and Charleston Southern, Jonathan Crawford and Dominic Bolden pulled off a feat no two other wide receivers have in program history. The pair became the 16th receiving duo to surpass the 100 yard receiving mark in the same game against Lafayette. The following weekend, they exceeded the century mark again to become the first pair to do so in consecutive games. Prior to the Lafayette game, the last time two receivers surpassed the 100 yard mark in the same game was against Charleston Southern on Nov. 10, 2001. Adrian Hall (133 yards) and Daniel Thomas (110 yards) did so, helping the Flames down the Buccaneers, 45-31.
Senior's Streak Comes to an End
VMI was the first opponent in four games to keep Dominic Bolden from surpassing the 100-yard receiving mark, as the senior finished the contest with four receptions for 51 yards. Bolden became the fourth player in program history to surpass the 100-yard mark for three straight games, doing so against Lafayette (150 yards), Charleston Southern (117 yards) and Presbyterian (111 yards). The last receiver to surpass the 100-yard mark in three consecutive games was Courtney Freeman in 1997. The program's all-time record for consecutive 100-yard receiving games was set by Pat Nelson at five games over the span of the 1990-91 seasons.
Dominic Demands Notice
Following his third straight 100-yard game and the fifth of his career, Dominic Bolden has put himself in the position to add his name to the program's record book. The senior now has 880 receiving yards to his credit, marking the most single-season receiving yards in the last 10 years and the sixth best single-season performance in program history. Bolden currently leads the Big South and ranks No. 22 nationally by averaging 88.0 receiving yards per game.
Career Day for Crawford
After posting his first 100-yard receiving game against Lafayette, Jonathan Crawford bettered his numbers against Charleston Southern. On Oct. 25, the senior led the Flames with six catches for 124 yards, while two of his six receptions went for touchdowns. The senior now has 599 receiving yards on the year, which is more four times his career total coming into the 2008 season (134 yards on 11 receptions).
Rasberry Rises to the Occasion
Corey Rasberry had a career day against VMI, catching two passes for 53 yards and a touchdown to help the Flames clinch its second straight Big South title. The senior's first reception was a 19-yard touchdown catch in the first quarter, followed by a career-long reception of 34 yards in the second. The touchdown catch for Rasberry, who came into the game having caught 12 career passes for 124 yards, was his first of any level of organized football.
The Over the Hill Gang
Celebrating the number 40 is often frowned upon, as the 40th birthday is known as moving "over the hill." However, for senior Mike Godsil it is a number of endearment. Against Lafayette, the senior started his 40th-consecutive career game, doing so at center for each game since he joined the roster as a freshman in 2005. Against Presbyterian on Nov. 1, Godsil was joined in the elite club by Patrick Calvary, who started his 40th career game. However, Calvary suffered an injury against the Blue Hose, which kept the senior out of the line-up last weekend against VMI, ending his streak.
Terrell's Touchdown Run Comes to an End
For the first time in 18 games, Zach Terrell failed to record a rushing touchdown in a game, as the senior finished the Western Carolina game on Sept. 13 with eight carries for 51 yards without finding the end zone. Prior to the game against the Catamounts, the last time Terrell played in a game without rushing for a touchdown was on Sept. 30, 2006, when the then sophomore carried the ball four times for 20 yards without finding the end zone against Wake Forest. Terrell currently ranks third in the Big South and fifth in Liberty's program history with 29 career rushing touchdowns.
The Purpose-Driven Pair
Liberty is the only team at the FCS level to have two players rank in the Top 25 individually in all-purpose running yards. Rashad Jennings leads the Flames, as he is averaging 162.1 all-purpose yards per game, which ranks No. 11 nationally. Dominic Bolden leads the team in total all-purpose yards (1,519), but ranks No. 22 in the country by averaging 151.9 yards per game.
Total Team Effort
The Flames enter today's game with the best scoring defense in the Big South, while ranking No. 31 nationally by allowing a stingy 21.10 points per game. Senior linebacker Nick Hursky leads Liberty's defensive effort and ranks third in the Big South, as he is averaging 7.8 tackles per game. Hursky is followed on the Flames' defensive listing by Ryan Greiser (6.2 per game) and Chris Rocco (5.9). The trio are the lone three Liberty defenders in the conference's Top 25 individual tackles listing this year.
Defining the Word Student-Athlete
On Nov. 6, four Liberty starters were named to the ESPN the Magazine CoSIDA Academic District 3 All-District team. Colin Dugan, Ryan Greiser, Dan Pope and Kevin Richard each received the academic distinction, helped in part by having a 3.30 cumulative GPA. The quartet now will move onto the national ballot for voting, which will determine the CoSIDA Academic All-America team, the highest academic honor a NCAA student-athlete can receive.
Wes Has his Way
Wes Cheek was one of four Flames to finish the VMI game with 10 or more tackles, helping the squad tally a season-high 97 team stops against the Keydets. The senior led the team with 13 tackles, marking a new career high for the former Liberty fullback. The "baker's dozen" tied a Liberty single-game high for the year, as Nick Hursky also finished with 13 stops in Liberty's victory over Youngstown State on Sept. 27.
Career Day for Kevin
Kevin Richard joined Wes Cheek, Nick Hursky and Ryan Greiser as double-figure tacklers against VMI, also setting a new career high. Prior to the gridiron battle with the Keydets, Richard's previous career single-game high was six tackles against Gardner-Webb in 2005 and Charleston Southern in 2007.
Right on Rocco
For the second time in the last four games, Chris Rocco finished a game in double figures, leading the way for the Flames with 10 stops against Presbyterian on Nov. 1. The increased defensive production from the junior over the last trio of games has elevated him to second on the team with 51 tackles in 2008. The 59 tackles nearly has doubled his career total coming into the season, as he entered his third year with the program with 28 career tackles.
Sensational Specialist
Liberty has two of the nation's best return specialists on its roster in seniors Dominic Bolden and Jonathan Crawford. Bolden, who currently ranks No. 8 nationally by averaging 15.27 yards per punt return, is the Big South's all-time leader with 1,369 career kickoff return yards and three kick offs returned for a touchdown. Bolden also ranks atop the program's listing with a 29.1 kickoff return yard average. Bolden's wideout partner Crawford currently ranks tied for No. 12 nationally, as the senior is averaging 26.59 yards per kickoff return. Both return specialists have returned a kickoff and a punt for a touchdown to account for two of three players in Big South history to accomplish the feat.
Today's Game
The Flames enter tonight's match-up with Gardner-Webb having already claimed their second straight Big South Conference championship. The outcomes of both Liberty's and Gardner-Webb's games from last week gave the Flames this year's trophy. Liberty won 38-26 at VMI, while Gardner-Webb dropped a 23-18 decision at home to Coastal Carolina, giving the Flames a two-game lead in the conference standings with one game left to play.
Coach's Corner
In just three seasons at Liberty, head coach Danny Rocco has taken the Flames from 1-10 (in 2005) to back-to-back Big South Conference championships. The third-year skipper has posted a 22-10 record since taking over the program, helping him garner Big South Coach of the Year honors in both 2007 and 2008. Last year, the Flames were 8-3 and a perfect 4-0 against Big South foes.
Steve Patton is the elder statesman of the Big South coaching ranks, having guided Gardner-Webb to a 77-53 record over the past 12 seasons. The 17-year head coaching veteran led the Bulldogs to consecutive Big South championships in 2002 and 2003, garnering Big South Coach of the Year honors both seasons.
Twice as Nice
Liberty's victory over VMI last weekend, coupled with Gardner-Webb's loss to Coastal Carolina, gave the Flames the Big South Conference title for the second straight season. Liberty is one of three programs in league history to win consecutive titles. Gardner-Webb hoisted back-to-back trophies in 2002 and 2003, while Coastal Carolina reeled off three straight championship seasons in 2004, 2004 and 2006.
Back against the Bulldogs
Tonight's meeting will mark the 15th time the Flames and the Bulldogs have squared off on the gridiron, making Gardner-Webb Liberty's second-most frequently played opponent. Since the series was renewed in 2000, the Bulldogs have won five out of the last eight meetings, giving Gardner-Webb an overall 8-5-1 series edge. Last year, the Flames capped of their first-ever Big South championship season with a 31-0 shutout over the Bulldogs in Boiling Springs, N.C., on Nov. 17, sealing Liberty's league title.
Home Sweet Home
Tonight, the Flames welcome visiting Gardner-Webb 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 71-38 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 mark, en route to their Big South title run.
Sensational Sellouts
For the 11th-straight home game, the Flames filled Williams Stadium beyond capacity, as 14,365 fans packed into the on-campus facility against Charleston Southern on Oct. 25. The attendance figure was the seventh largest in the 20-year history of the stadium. Since head coach Danny Rocco has arrived at Liberty, the Flames have filled Williams Stadium beyond capacity 13 out of 17 games. Liberty has posted a 14-3 record during those contests, averaging 13,267 fans per home game.
Attending to the National Numbers
Following its 11th-consecutive sellout crowd at Williams Stadium in the Flames' 42-0 shutout over Charleston Southern on Oct. 25, Liberty ranks as one of the nation's elite FCS programs in terms of home attendance figures. The Flames now rank No. 6 nationally in filling stadium capacity (122.73 percent), No. 11 in total home attendance (73,639) and No. 12 in average home attendance (14,728).
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 record in night games.
In Broad Daylight
Under head coach Danny Rocco, the Flames are 11-7 in games played during the day. Since 1976, Liberty is 113-114-1 in day games.
Natural Versus Artificial Surfaces
Under head coach Danny Rocco, the Flames are 16-7 on artificial turf and 6-3 on natural grass. Overall, Liberty is 97-108-4 on natural grass and 76-75 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 14-3 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 loss 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 had 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 honoree will be a representative from Liberty's 2007 Big South Conference football championship team.
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
Nov. 15 (Gardner-Webb) - Representative from the 2007 Big South Championship team
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 17-10 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 6-1
Coastal Carolina 3-3
Gardner-Webb 2-4
Stony Brook 1-0
VMI 5-1
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 programs (ranking ahead 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 streak 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 10-straight Big South victories dating back to the 2006 season. The last time the Flames dropped a Big South contest was on Oct. 28, when Liberty fell, 28-26, to No. 22 Coastal Carolina. The league run is the longest in Big South history, bettering Coastal Carolina's eight-game conference winning streak that spanned three seasons (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 victory run was the longest in program history and was the second longest in the nation at the time among FCS programs. San Diego holds the nation's longest FCS home winning streak at 28 games.
The Votes are In
The Flames 12-point win over VMI last weekend caught the eye of the national pollsters, as Liberty moved up three spots in the FCS Coaches poll and one spot in the Sports Network rankings, as Liberty enters the weekend ranked No. 22 and 24, respectively. The Flames have been ranked among the nation's Top 25 programs for 10-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 Wednesday, while Sparky is the second 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.
Sensational Shutouts
For the second time under head coach Danny Rocco, the Flames recorded multiple shutouts in the same season. Earlier this year, the Flames blanked Stony Brook, 33-0, in the Seawolves' first-ever Big South game. On Oct. 25, the Flames shut out Charleston Southern, 42-0, making Liberty the first-ever Big South team to shut out back-to-back opponents. The blanking was the sixth under head coach Danny Rocco and the 19th in program history.
Rocco Quickly Joins Elite
In just three seasons, head coach Danny Rocco has moved into third place on the Flames coaching ranks, as Liberty's victory over VMI last weekend was Rocco's 22nd at Liberty. Ranking ahead of Rocco are Tom Dowling with 33 wins (33-38-2) and Sam Rutigliano, who is the winningest coach in program history (67-53).
Offensive Obsession
For the seventh-straight game and the ninth time this year, the Flames surpassed the 400 total offensive yard mark against VMI last Saturday, finishing the game with 425 total offensive yards against the Keydets. The yardage run currently has Liberty ranked No. 8 nationally in the statistical category, averaging 451.20 total offensive yards per game.
By a Wide Margin
The Flames outgained Charleston Southern by 301 yards on Oct. 25, helping Liberty post its second-straight shutout victory. The total offensive yardage margin was the second largest under head coach Danny Rocco. Last year, the Flames outgained St. Francis, Pa., by 382 yards (591-209).
Frequent Flyer Miles
Prior to its match-up with Presbyterian, where the Flames threw for 204 yards, the Flames posted back-to-back 300-plus yard passing games against Lafayette and Charleston Southern. Against the Buccaneers, the Flames got 304 of their 492 total offensive yards via the passing game. Liberty passed for 344 yards against Lafayette, marking the most passing yards during head coach Danny Rocco's tenure. Prior to the Flames' last two games, Liberty's previous passing high under Rocco was 281 yards against Presbyterian last year. The Flames currently rank third in the Big South in passing yards per game (227.8).
Nearly Missing the Mark
For the third time in four games, the Flames missed surpassing the 200-yard rushing mark, as Liberty ran for 189 yards in its 12-point victory over VMI. Liberty currently ranks No. 10 nationally, by averaging 223.40 rushing yards per game. Since head coach Danny Rocco's arrival in 2006, Liberty has averaged 207.6 rushing yards per game and has surpassed the 200-yard plateau in 15 out of 32 games.
Approaching Record-Setting Marks
Liberty enters its match-up with Big South foe Gardner-Webb on the verge of setting two prominent records. Liberty has rushed for 2,234 yards in 2008, leaving the Flames 380 yards shy of matching the Flames' all-time record of 2,614 set by the 2003 squad. The Flames also need 345 total offensive yards to surpass the 1994 team, which finished that campaign with a program best 4,856 total offensive yards.
Danny Remains Defense
The Flames held Charleston Southern to 191 total offensive yards on Oct. 25, helping guide Liberty to a 42-0 shutout victory. The figure marked a new season low for a Liberty opponent and was the third fewest yards allowed since head coach Danny Rocco took over the team in 2006. Liberty currently ranks No. 51 nationally in total defense, allowing an average of 338.60 total offensive yards per game.
A Decisive Number
The Flames' prolific offense is starting to catch the eye of the nation, as Liberty ranks No. 16 in scoring offense (34.80 points per game). The 30-point mark seems to be the key number for a Flames victory, as Liberty is 18-2 under head coach Danny Rocco when Liberty scores more than 30 points in a game. The Flames are 4-8 under Rocco when Liberty fails to reach the 30-point threshold.
Points a Plenty under Rocco
In seven out of 10 games this year, the Flames have scored 30 or more points, doing so again in a 38-26 victory over VMI last weekend. Liberty currently ranks No. 14 nationally in scoring offense, as the Flames are averaging 34.80 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 33.5 points scored per game, and Liberty is 18-2 in contests in which 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-plus 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 19.4 points per game, meaning Liberty is outscoring its opponents by more than two touchdowns per game (an average of 14.1 points per game) over the span.
Bested at their Own Game
Liberty won the most important battle last Saturday against VMI, taking the contests, 38-26, to clinch its second Big South title. However, the Keydets won the rushing contest, which pitted two of the nation's elite rushing attacks. VMI nearly doubled the Flames ground yards, 372 to 189, allowing the Keydets to regain the nation's lead in the offensive category. The largest rushing total allowed by Liberty caused the Flames to go from No. 24 nationally in rushing yards allowed to No. 45 (133.20).
Strength Against Strength
Saturday's game against Gardner-Webb is going to pit two team strengths against each other. Liberty ranks No. 10 nationally in rushing yards per game (223.40) against the Bulldogs, who rank No. 27 in rushing defense (110.6 rushing yards per game). Gardner-Webb has held seven of its 10 opponents under the century mark, not letting an opponent run for 100 yards until Presbyterian did so (110 yards) in the seventh game of the year. However, three out of its last four opponents have passed the 100-yard mark, including back-to-back 300-yard games by VMI (321 yards) and Stony Brook (316 yards).
Better than All the Rest
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 Gardner-Webb as the nation's leader in third-down conversions. Despite a season worst performance, where Liberty converted on 3-of-9 third-down plays against VMI last Saturday, the Flames have now picked up a new set of downs 53.1 percent of the time in third-down situations (68-of-128). The Flames are averaging 6.8 third-down conversions per game.
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. 13 in first down offense, picking up an average of 21.80 first downs per game (218 total). 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 262 total first downs this year, which would surpass the 1993 squad, who finished the year with 241 first downs.
First Down Frenzy
For just the second time this year, Liberty failed to reach the 20 first down mark against VMI, as the Flames finished with a season low 16 first downs in a 12-point victory over the Keydets. Prior to the contest, Liberty had finished 13 out of 14 games with 20 or more first downs. Two games ago against Presbyterian, Liberty finished with 26 first downs, the second highest total by the Flames this year.
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 seven games, Liberty totaled 31 infractions for 243 total yards (averaging 4.4 penalties and 34.7 penalty yards per contest). Despite the marked improvement, Liberty still ranks No. 67 nationally in penalties per game (6.30) and No. 62 in average penalty yards per game (54.60).
Trying to Take Better Care of the Ball
For the seventh time in 10 games, Liberty finished a contest with a positive turnover margin. Liberty gave up the ball on its first play from scrimmage, fumbling the ball back to the Keydets. VMI continued its string of careless ball carrying, committing six fumbles and giving the ball away twice. The Flames currently rank No. 43 nationally in turnover margin (0.30). 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 tied for the fourth fewest total punts among FCS programs so far in 2008. The Flames have been forced to punt the ball away 29 times over 10 games (2.9 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 26.31 yards gained by punting).
Eight Is Great
The Flames enter the Gardner-Webb contest winners of eight of 10 games in 2008. With the run of victories, Liberty is one of 14 FCS programs to have reached the eight-win plateau this year. Only three other FCS programs have more wins than Liberty in 2008, as Dayton and Montana have a 9-1 record, while Weber State is 9-2.
But Nine Is Best
Liberty's victory over VMI last weekend gave the Flames their eighth victory on the year and back-to-back eight-win seasons for the first time in program history. Only five other Liberty teams have finished a season with eight or more wins. The Flames enter tonight's dual with Gardner-Webb needing one more victory to tie a record, as the 1979 (9-1-1) and 1997 (9-2) squads hold the record for most wins in a single season.
Road Warriors
Prior to Liberty's loss at Presbyterian on Nov. 1, the Flames had claimed victory in five-straight road games. The run was the longest road winning streak in Big South history and was the second-longest active winning streak among FCS programs. Lafayette, who entered the same week with the nation's longest FCS winning streak, suffered a setback to Colgate on the road, leaving Cal Poly with the nation's longest current winning streak at five games.
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 four out of its last five games to close out the year 7-4.
Brock's Best Friends
After allowing three sacks in its season opener against North Greenville, the Flames offensive line has banded together to allow just four sacks over the last nine games. Liberty currently ranks No. 5 nationally, as the Flames are surrendering 0.70 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 per game (0.81/26 in 32 games) since head coach Danny Rocco took over the program in 2006.
Picking Them Off
For the third time this year, the Flames finished a game with multiple interceptions, picking off Charleston Southern quarterback Tribble Reese twice on Oct. 25, accounting for a pair of the Buccaneers' turnovers. Against Presbyterian, Patrick Calvary picked off his eighth career pass to push Liberty's team total to 10 interceptions in 2008, giving Liberty an interception in five out of six games. The Flames didn't stand much of a chance to add to their interception total last weekend against the nation's lowest passing offense in VMI, falling to No. 54 nationally in passes intercepted.
Returning Rampage
Liberty finished the Presbyterian game on Nov. 1 with a season-high six kickoff returns for 124 total yards. The yardage total was the third highest this year, falling one yard shy of tying the team's mark of 125 yards against Western Carolina and Coastal Carolina. Liberty currently ranks No. 9 nationally in kickoff returns, averaging 22.97 yards per return. The Flames are one of 30 FCS programs to have returned a kickoff for a touchdown in 2008, recording a 76-yard return by Jonathan Crawford 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 five opponents have kept the Flames from returning punts, as the Flames have returned just six punts over the last five games for a total of zero yards. Following the lower punt return numbers, Liberty now ranks No. 24 nationally in punt returns, averaging 12.24 yards per return.
Kings of the Return Game
James Madison held onto its No. 1 ranking in FCS football following the weekend of Oct. 18, thanks to a last-second punt return for a touchdown, the Dukes' fourth 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 16 others who have returned at least one punt and one kickoff for a touchdown in 2008.
Keydets Charge Further than Others
VMI was one of three opponents this season to record more than three tackles for a loss against Liberty's offense, as the Keydets tallied four negative-yardage stops for a total loss of nine yards. The Flames currently rank No. 3 nationally in fewest tackles for a loss allowed per game (3.60), resulting in a loss of 14.3 average yards per game.
Both Teams Have Red Zone Rapport
Gardner-Webb and Liberty are two of the nation's best when it comes to scoring from inside their opponent's 20-yard line. Gardner-Webb ranks No. 29, having scored 84 percent of the time inside the Red Zone, while Liberty ranks No. 37 just two percentage points below the Bulldogs (82 percent).
Legends Enshrined
During Liberty's annual Homecoming game on Oct. 25, the Liberty University Athletics Department honored long-time head coach Sam Rutigliano and former AFC Rookie of the Year and Pro Bowler Eric Green. The pair of Liberty legends joined founder Dr. Jerry Falwell, as jerseys were retired in honor of their accomplishments. A "HC" jersey now hangs in honor of Rutigliano, while a No. 86 jersey rests next to Rutigliano's, paying tribute to Green's storied career at Liberty.
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.
The League's Elite
Rashad Jennings was tabbed the Big South Preseason Offensive Player of the Year at the conference's annual media day on July 25. Jennings, last year's Big South Offensive Player of the Year, set new Big South records in rushing touchdowns (15), all-purpose yards (154.3 per game), total touchdowns scored (17) and points scored (104). Jennings, along with seven other Flames, was named to the Big South's preseason all-conference team, giving Liberty more preseason selects than any other program in the conference this year.
Duo Grabs All-America Honors
Rashad Jennings and Dominic Bolden were named to the Sports Network's Preseason All-America teams on Aug. 22. Jennings grabbed first-team honors as the nation's premium FCS running back, while Bolden was recognized for his stellar return abilities as a third-team honoree at kickoff return specialist. Both Jennings and Bolden were named to the Sports Network's honorable-mention All-America squad at their respective positions at the end of the 2007 campaign.
Simply the Best
For the 10th consecutive game, Rashad Jennings surpassed the 100-yard mark, as the senior rushed for 147 yards and two touchdowns last weekend at VMI. The figure pushed the senior's total to 3,468 career rushing yards, helping him become the Big South's all-time leading rusher. Jennings surpassed former Flame Dre Barners, who finished the last three years of his career playing in the Big South, where he ran for 3,409 yards.
Tops of the List
Besides passing Dre Barnes for the Big South all-time rushing mark, Rashad Jennings bested one of Barnes' Liberty markers. Jennings rushed for 147 yards on 24 carries, marking his 21st career 100-yard game. Barnes finished his four-year career with 20 100-yard games, while Jennings has surpassed the mark in 21 out of 29 career games over a three-year span.
Making it Look Easy
For the eighth-consecutive game, running back Rashad Jennings recorded a rushing touchdown, finding the end zone twice during the contest against VMI last weekend. The pair of scores gave the senior 266 career points at Liberty, continuing to expand his career record as the Flames' all-time scoring leader among non-kicking players.
Jennings needs 21 more points to become the Big South player with the most points scored by a non-kicking player, as Coastal Carolina's Aundres Perkins holds the record with 286 points.
Leader of the Pack
For the third straight game and the 15th time in his career, Rashad Jennings recorded multiple rushing touchdowns in the same games, as he scored twice against VMI last weekend. The pair of scores gave him 40 career rushing touchdowns, which is a program record and currently ranks sixth behind Coastal Carolina Aundres Perkins, who set the Big South's record in 2006 with 46 career rushing touchdowns.
Mr. Consistency
With his 127 rushing yards against Charleston Southern on Oct. 25, Rashad Jennings hit the 1,000-yard mark on the nose for the season. Since joining the Flames roster in 2006, Jennings has reached the 1,000-yard plateau all three seasons to become the first running back in program and Big South history to accomplish the feat.
The New Standard
Rashad Jennings has rushed for 100 or more yards in 10-straight games, shattering program and Big South Conference records. The previous school and league record was held by Eugene Goodman, who rushed for 100 or more yards over seven-consecutive games before his senior year was cut short when he suffered an injury against Gardner-Webb on Oct. 2, 2004.
One of the Best
Rashad Jennings enters the game leading the Big South in rushing yards per game, scoring and all-purpose yards. The senior is averaging 148.3 rushing yards per game, which ranks No. 2 nationally in the statistical category. Jennings also ranks tied for No. 4 in the country in scoring (11.33 points per game) and No. 11 in average all-purpose yards (162.11).
Still One First for Jennings
Despite just becoming the Big South's all-time career leading rusher, Rashad Jennings is still shooting for a conference single-season record. The senior has yet to lead the league in rushing for a year. During his first two years, Jennings has finished just behind two different Keydets. In 2006, he finished two yards behind Sean Mizzer (1,022 to 1,020 yards). Last year, he finished eight yards behind Howard Abegesah (1,121 to 1,113), meaning Jennings has missed the mark by a combined 10 yards over his first two years at Liberty.
Single-Season King
Rashad Jennings enters the Gardner-Webb game having rushed for 1,335 yards and 15 touchdowns this year. He needs 13 yards to set a new single season program and Big South record, as Dre Barnes finished the 2003 season with 1,347 rushing yards. The senior's 15 rushing touchdowns ties his own Big South single season record and stands just one shy of Lawrence Worthington's all-time mark of 16 touchdowns in 1995.
Back to Back
With his two rushing touchdowns against VMI last weekend, Rashad Jennings pushed his season scoring mark to 102 points, becoming the first play in program history to score 100 points in consecutive seasons. The senior set a new program and Big South record with 104 points scored last year on 17 touchdowns and a pair of two-point conversions.
Streaking Quarterback Halted
After back-to-back games with 250 or more passing yards, Brock Smith failed to reach the mark against Presbyterian on Nov. 1. He finished the game against the Blue Hose with his lowest completion percentage of the season at 50.0 percent (15-of-30), marking the first time this year the quarterback has failed to finish a game with a competition percentage above the 60 percent mark. The consecutive 250-yard passing performances gave Smith nine for his career, which ranks seventh in program history.
Playing with the Big Boys
Brock Smith's 269 passing yards against Charleston Southern on Oct. 25, his fourth best single-game passing performance in his career. The figure pushed him over the 6,000 career passing mark, making him the fourth quarterback in program and Big South to accomplish the feat. Smith enters today's game with 6,537 career passing yards, needing 62 yards to surpass former Coastal Carolina quarterback Tyler Thigpen's mark of 6,598, who is currently the starting quarterback for the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs.
Always on the Mark
Brock Smith enters today's game as one of the most efficient passers in the nation. The senior currently ranks No. 8 nationally in passing efficiency, boasting a 159.51 passer ranking. Should the season end today, Smith would finish his career as the most proficient passer in Liberty and Big South history. The senior has a 146.7 career passer efficiency rating, ranking ahead of Charleston Southern's Collin Drafts (134.4) and Liberty's Robby Justino (132.6) in the respective rankings.
A Dynamic Duo
Against Lafayette and Charleston Southern, Jonathan Crawford and Dominic Bolden pulled off a feat no two other wide receivers have in program history. The pair became the 16th receiving duo to surpass the 100 yard receiving mark in the same game against Lafayette. The following weekend, they exceeded the century mark again to become the first pair to do so in consecutive games. Prior to the Lafayette game, the last time two receivers surpassed the 100 yard mark in the same game was against Charleston Southern on Nov. 10, 2001. Adrian Hall (133 yards) and Daniel Thomas (110 yards) did so, helping the Flames down the Buccaneers, 45-31.
Senior's Streak Comes to an End
VMI was the first opponent in four games to keep Dominic Bolden from surpassing the 100-yard receiving mark, as the senior finished the contest with four receptions for 51 yards. Bolden became the fourth player in program history to surpass the 100-yard mark for three straight games, doing so against Lafayette (150 yards), Charleston Southern (117 yards) and Presbyterian (111 yards). The last receiver to surpass the 100-yard mark in three consecutive games was Courtney Freeman in 1997. The program's all-time record for consecutive 100-yard receiving games was set by Pat Nelson at five games over the span of the 1990-91 seasons.
Dominic Demands Notice
Following his third straight 100-yard game and the fifth of his career, Dominic Bolden has put himself in the position to add his name to the program's record book. The senior now has 880 receiving yards to his credit, marking the most single-season receiving yards in the last 10 years and the sixth best single-season performance in program history. Bolden currently leads the Big South and ranks No. 22 nationally by averaging 88.0 receiving yards per game.
Career Day for Crawford
After posting his first 100-yard receiving game against Lafayette, Jonathan Crawford bettered his numbers against Charleston Southern. On Oct. 25, the senior led the Flames with six catches for 124 yards, while two of his six receptions went for touchdowns. The senior now has 599 receiving yards on the year, which is more four times his career total coming into the 2008 season (134 yards on 11 receptions).
Rasberry Rises to the Occasion
Corey Rasberry had a career day against VMI, catching two passes for 53 yards and a touchdown to help the Flames clinch its second straight Big South title. The senior's first reception was a 19-yard touchdown catch in the first quarter, followed by a career-long reception of 34 yards in the second. The touchdown catch for Rasberry, who came into the game having caught 12 career passes for 124 yards, was his first of any level of organized football.
The Over the Hill Gang
Celebrating the number 40 is often frowned upon, as the 40th birthday is known as moving "over the hill." However, for senior Mike Godsil it is a number of endearment. Against Lafayette, the senior started his 40th-consecutive career game, doing so at center for each game since he joined the roster as a freshman in 2005. Against Presbyterian on Nov. 1, Godsil was joined in the elite club by Patrick Calvary, who started his 40th career game. However, Calvary suffered an injury against the Blue Hose, which kept the senior out of the line-up last weekend against VMI, ending his streak.
Terrell's Touchdown Run Comes to an End
For the first time in 18 games, Zach Terrell failed to record a rushing touchdown in a game, as the senior finished the Western Carolina game on Sept. 13 with eight carries for 51 yards without finding the end zone. Prior to the game against the Catamounts, the last time Terrell played in a game without rushing for a touchdown was on Sept. 30, 2006, when the then sophomore carried the ball four times for 20 yards without finding the end zone against Wake Forest. Terrell currently ranks third in the Big South and fifth in Liberty's program history with 29 career rushing touchdowns.
The Purpose-Driven Pair
Liberty is the only team at the FCS level to have two players rank in the Top 25 individually in all-purpose running yards. Rashad Jennings leads the Flames, as he is averaging 162.1 all-purpose yards per game, which ranks No. 11 nationally. Dominic Bolden leads the team in total all-purpose yards (1,519), but ranks No. 22 in the country by averaging 151.9 yards per game.
Total Team Effort
The Flames enter today's game with the best scoring defense in the Big South, while ranking No. 31 nationally by allowing a stingy 21.10 points per game. Senior linebacker Nick Hursky leads Liberty's defensive effort and ranks third in the Big South, as he is averaging 7.8 tackles per game. Hursky is followed on the Flames' defensive listing by Ryan Greiser (6.2 per game) and Chris Rocco (5.9). The trio are the lone three Liberty defenders in the conference's Top 25 individual tackles listing this year.
Defining the Word Student-Athlete
On Nov. 6, four Liberty starters were named to the ESPN the Magazine CoSIDA Academic District 3 All-District team. Colin Dugan, Ryan Greiser, Dan Pope and Kevin Richard each received the academic distinction, helped in part by having a 3.30 cumulative GPA. The quartet now will move onto the national ballot for voting, which will determine the CoSIDA Academic All-America team, the highest academic honor a NCAA student-athlete can receive.
Wes Has his Way
Wes Cheek was one of four Flames to finish the VMI game with 10 or more tackles, helping the squad tally a season-high 97 team stops against the Keydets. The senior led the team with 13 tackles, marking a new career high for the former Liberty fullback. The "baker's dozen" tied a Liberty single-game high for the year, as Nick Hursky also finished with 13 stops in Liberty's victory over Youngstown State on Sept. 27.
Career Day for Kevin
Kevin Richard joined Wes Cheek, Nick Hursky and Ryan Greiser as double-figure tacklers against VMI, also setting a new career high. Prior to the gridiron battle with the Keydets, Richard's previous career single-game high was six tackles against Gardner-Webb in 2005 and Charleston Southern in 2007.
Right on Rocco
For the second time in the last four games, Chris Rocco finished a game in double figures, leading the way for the Flames with 10 stops against Presbyterian on Nov. 1. The increased defensive production from the junior over the last trio of games has elevated him to second on the team with 51 tackles in 2008. The 59 tackles nearly has doubled his career total coming into the season, as he entered his third year with the program with 28 career tackles.
Sensational Specialist
Liberty has two of the nation's best return specialists on its roster in seniors Dominic Bolden and Jonathan Crawford. Bolden, who currently ranks No. 8 nationally by averaging 15.27 yards per punt return, is the Big South's all-time leader with 1,369 career kickoff return yards and three kick offs returned for a touchdown. Bolden also ranks atop the program's listing with a 29.1 kickoff return yard average. Bolden's wideout partner Crawford currently ranks tied for No. 12 nationally, as the senior is averaging 26.59 yards per kickoff return. Both return specialists have returned a kickoff and a punt for a touchdown to account for two of three players in Big South history to accomplish the feat.
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Get To Know Liberty Linebacker Deuce Spurlock
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