Discussing Liberty’s 2023 non-conference schedule before the Southern Mississippi game Week 1? Yes.
My first article regarding the Flames mentioned the 2022 season preview with life after Malik Willis. As every Flames fan including myself is fueled about this season, next year is being mentioned.
The Flames are entering their last season as an Independent FBS Division 1 program. Next season, they will be entering the CUSA where to be honest, I do not have a clue who will be in the conference after the moves by at least nine teams. At least the conference will include our beloved Flames, Jacksonville St., Sam Houston St, and New Mexico State.
Flames Non-Conference Schedule
This article is about the 2023 non-conference schedule that the Flames released yesterday. The news to look ahead is always exciting, but the opponents are not too exciting to say the least. As Flames fans seen over the years with 12 non-conference games, scheduling P5 teams makes the seasons exciting. Let me just warn you, these 4 teams I am about to speak on are NOT exciting. Drum roll please….
Bowling Green
Since the 2015, Bowling Green has been one of the worst teams in the MAC. A joint record of 16-49 over the past seven seasons. Their road record is not too pretty also with a miserable 7-27 away from home. This will be a nice home-opener game for the Flames to grab a 1-0 record.
Buffalo
Buffalo out of the four teams are the most competitive for the Flames non-conference schedule. Typically, the Bulls are a talented team, but had a disappointing 2021 season with a 4-8 record. Catching the Bulls on the road will not be easy. I assume this will be one of those Thursday night games on the T.V. schedule. Luckily, the Flames are playing this game in September instead of late November.
Old Dominion
Liberty just beaten Old Dominion last season with Malik Willis under center. The 45-17 home victory for the Flames leads to a date with the Monarchs at Old Dominion this season. Monarchs were supposed to be a CUSA rival for the Flames, but Old Dominion are heading out. Flames this year and next should keep the winning streak against the Monarchs at four.
UMass
As UMass has done everything in their power bring up their football program, it is still UMass. If you thought Bowling Green was terrible, UMass is worst. Yes, UMass beat us in 2018, but since then the Flames have won three straight with a joint score of 170-38. Liberty has made it a tradition to play the Minutemen and could be for the years after the CUSA.
Overall, I think the Flames missed out on a great opportunity to schedule weaker P5 programs or even Coastal Carolina. In hopes for the 2024 schedule to progress, the 2023 schedule will have to do for now. We must soak up the “best home schedule” this year. Hugh Freeze and the Flames should be cooking something up for us Flames fanatics.