Liberty Flames Preview: Flames Futures Odds, Liberty X-Factor And Why You Should Be Bearish
Liberty Flames Preview
2022 Record: 13-1 (8-0)
CUSA Finish: 1st
AP Poll: N/A
Coaches Poll: N/A
PFF: N/A
SP+: No. 48
Head Coach: Jamey Chadwell: 13-1 (8-0) | 2nd Season | Overall: 111-58
Co-Offensive Coordinators: Willy Korn (2nd Year), Newland Isaac (2nd Year)
Co-Defensive Coordinators: Skylor Magee (2nd Year), Kyle Krantz (2nd Year)
Liberty Flames Futures Odds (FanDuel)
National Championship Odds: +50000
CFB Playoff Odds: +440
CUSA Championship Odds: -195
Regular Season Wins: OVER 10.5 -138 | UNDER 10.5 +112
Why Liberty is a Team to Watch
Liberty’s potent offense remains largely unchanged from last year’s successful Fiesta Bowl run. With Kaidon Salter and Quinton Cooley returning, excitement is high for 2024. Salter, a dual-threat quarterback, passed for 2,876 yards and 32 touchdowns while also rushing for 1,089 yards and 12 scores last season. His efficiency was remarkable, completing 61.0% of his passes with 9.9 yards per attempt and only six interceptions, resulting in an 83.7 QBR, the ninth-best nationally. Cooley also impressed with 1,401 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns. Their return could push Liberty’s offensive numbers even higher this year.
Concerns for Liberty
The Flames lost several key players, creating significant gaps on both sides of the ball. CJ Daniels, their top receiver, transferred to LSU, and while Elijah Canion and Julian Gray were brought in via the transfer portal, they have yet to prove they can match Daniels’ production. The defense also took a hit with Tyren Dupree and Brandon Bishop finishing their eligibility. Treylor Jackson and Eldric Grifin will need to step up and fill their roles with limited experience.
Liberty Breakout Player: WR Treon Sibley, Senior
For Liberty to sustain its offensive success, Treon Sibley will need to play a pivotal role. Sibley, a senior wide receiver, was the team’s second-leading receiver last season with 23 catches for 467 yards. He combines breakaway speed with the ability to handle intermediate routes and physical play. With an average of 20.3 yards per catch, Sibley could become a key player for the Flames in 2024.
Liberty X-Factor: STAR Quinton Reese, Senior
With the Flames’ struggles against the pass last year (ranking fourth-last in CUSA in passing yards allowed), the departure of Dupree and Bishop puts more pressure on Quinton Reese. As a Safety/STAR defender, Reese needs to step up significantly. He was fourth in tackles last season, contributing one pass deflection, one forced fumble, and two interceptions. Increased production from Reese will be crucial for the defense.
Liberty Schedule Analysis
The Flames’ 2024 schedule is relatively manageable. CUSA continues to be a weaker conference, and Liberty’s non-conference games are against less formidable opponents. They start the season with an FCS team, Campbell, and then face New Mexico State before diving into conference play. Their primary challenge could be a matchup with Appalachian State in Week 5, but with a bye week before that game, they’ll have time to prepare. This could be the only significant test before the potential for a perfect regular season.
Liberty Prediction: OVER/UNDER 10.5 Wins
Given the odds, picking Liberty to surpass 10.5 wins in 2024 seems wise. They are unlikely to face significant competition within CUSA, although a potential road game against Appalachian State might pose a threat to a perfect record. Even if they lose that game, they should still have room to exceed 10.5 wins. However, Liberty’s schedule lacks a high-caliber opponent, making it difficult to foresee them making the College Football Playoff. Their performance in last year’s Fiesta Bowl suggests they still have a way to go before being true playoff contenders. Nevertheless, Liberty should comfortably retain its position as the top team in CUSA.