25 in the AP Poll, they head straight into one of the toughest battles on their schedule at Virginia Tech. “They’re bigger, faster, stronger and deeper,” Liberty head coach Hugh Freeze said. Tech is averaging 290 yards a game, Liberty just 35 yards less. “Being able to run the ball is something we take pride in,” Liberty offensive lineman Thomas Sargeant said. “If we can’t run the ball, the offense is only one dimensional.”“Their running backs are big and powerful, some are small and fast,” Virginia Tech Head Coach Justin Fuente said.

“FIU has better athletes, probably, across the board than we have so there’s no way you should overlook it,” said head coach Hugh Freeze. We can’t take a lull as Coach Freeze said,” Flames Center Thomas Sargeant said. The highly touted coach has gained 23 wins in just three seasons behind veteran leadership on offense. While many of the talented wide receivers graduated last season, they’ll still lineup with a two-back tandem and multiple transfers from Power 5 schools-- which leaves Liberty wondering what to expect in the Panthers season opener. “It is challenging with the amount of unknowns that are in front of us,” said Flames linebacker Aaron Pierre.