TODAY’S GAME

FOR LU THEATRE, THE SHOW MUST GO ON

Malik Willis, QB

STORYLINES 1) Ranked No. 22 in both FBS national polls, undefeated Liberty (7-0) returns home to face a Western Carolina squad making its 2020 season debut this afternoon.

2) Coming off a dramatic 38-35 victory at Virginia Tech, the Flames are 7-0 to start a season for the first time in program history. They have won nine straight games, the second-longest active streak in FBS. 3) The Flames are 3-3 all-time against Western Carolina. However, the two teams have not faced each other since 2008.

4) Liberty QB Malik Willis has been outstanding during his first six games as a Flame, averaging 100.5 rushing yards/game with seven rushing TDs and completing 67 percent of his passes for 1,339 yards and 12 scores. He has accounted for 11 TDs (nine passing, two rushing) in the last two games. 5) Willis is one of four Flames with a 100-yard rushing game this season, as Liberty ranks No. 12 nationally with 254.6 rushing yards per game. The Flames are 11-0 under Hugh Freeze when outrushing their opponent, including 6-0 this season.

6) The Liberty defense ranks among the nation’s leaders in total yards allowed (No. 17, 311.7 yards/game). Last week, the Flames limited Virginia Tech, the nation’s No. 4-ranked rushing offense, to a season-low 201 yards on the ground.

“4 DOWNS” WITH THE CATAMOUNTS 1) Although Liberty and Western Carolina are meeting for the first time in 12 years, the Catamounts are the second most familiar opponent on the Flames’ 2020 schedule (following Coastal Carolina). Entering Saturday’s matchup, the Flames have faced WCU six times. That is more games than Liberty had played against its first seven opponents combined (four), prior to the 2020 season.

2) Liberty has rushed for 200+ yards in all but two games this season. The Flames currently rank No. 12 nationally with 254.6 rushing yards per game. They will face a Western Carolina defense that yielded 258.4 rushing yards per contest in 2019. No. 22 Liberty will be the second straight FBS Top 25 team the Catamounts have faced. They closed out the 2019 season at No. 5 Alabama.

3) Western Carolina will be the third opponent (also FIU and North Alabama) to make its 2020 season debut against Liberty. Saturday’s contest will be the Catamounts’ first game in 357 days and Liberty’s 10th game during that same time frame. Liberty will look for its third straight win when facing a Southern Conference opponent. 4) The road team has won four of six all-time meetings between Liberty and Western Carolina. The Catamounts are 2-1 when playing at Williams Stadium. Liberty has scored 48 or more points in four of five meetings with FCS foes since joining the FBS ranks in 2018. The Flames are averaging 49.8 ppg in their last five FCS matchups.

MILESTONE WATCH 19: WR DJ Stubbs is 19 yards away from 1,500 for his career.

88: QB Malik Willis needs 88 rushing yards to reach 1,000 for his collegiate career. He rushed for 309 yards during two seasons at Auburn (2017 & 2018) and has racked up 603 yards during his first six games as a Liberty Flame. 100: RB Joshua Mack’s next 100-yard rushing game will be his seventh as a Flame, tying him with DJ Abnar (2012-15) for 10th place on Liberty’s all-time list for most 100-yard games. Mack also posted 10 100-yard rushing performances at Maine prior to transferring to Liberty. Rashad Jennings owns the Flames’ career record with 22 100-yard rushing games. 122: RB Peytton Pickett needs 122 rushing yards to reach the 1,000 mark for his Liberty career.

VAN WAGNER AD

CLEAR BAG POLICY In an effort to enhance fan safety and expedite entrance to Williams Stadium, Liberty University has implemented a security screening process. This includes a clear bag policy that limits the size and type of bag that can be brought into the stadium by fans. The implementation of this measure is intended to enhance public safety while minimizing time spent searching bags at gate security checkpoints, thus easing access into the stadium.

Liberty’s clear bag policy has been in effect since 2016 and will be strictly enforced during the 2020 football season. The policy is consistent with the NFL’s current model. Only clear tote bags that do not exceed 12” x 6” x 12” or one-gallon plastic freezer bags will be allowed in Williams Stadium. In addition, small handheld clutch purses no larger than 4.5” x 6.5” will be permitted. Spectators will also be able to carry other items into the stadium, such as binoculars, cameras, and smartphones.