The Liberty Flames meet in Arizona against the Oregon Ducks in the 2024 Fiesta Bowl.
If any team has the right to get upset about missing the college football playoff, it’s… Liberty. All jokes aside, the undefeated Liberty Flames face its most formidable challenge yet. They meet in Arizona and take on the Oregon Ducks in the Fiesta Bowl. Today’s matchup examines each program’s history, coaching matchup, and best players.
Surprisingly, this is the first-ever matchup between the two teams. Despite their lack of history, Oregon is familiar with the Fiesta Bowl. This is their fourth appearance, with them holding a record of 2-1.
Freeze Frame Liberty Game
It is remarkable for Liberty how well they have transitioned to being one of the best five teams. 2018 was the first year that Liberty transitioned to FBS after being in the FCS. Shortly after their FBS arrival, the Flames made a hire. It was former Ole Miss head coach Hugh Freeze to fill their vacated position. In his first season, Freeze led Liberty to an 8-5 season and a bowl win. During the following season, Liberty went 10-1 and had their first-ever AP Top 25 appearance in the program’s history. Freeze was also known for how well he developed players outside of wins. That includes former Auburn transfer Malik Willis. After two more seasons of 8 wins, Freeze was finally ready to jump back in the SEC. Last offseason, Freeze became the head of Auburn, where he would face Nick Saban every year in the Iron Bowl.
New Coach, No Problem
Liberty needed a coach that could do more with less and sustain the program’s success. When the Flames hired Jamey Chadwell, they knew he was the perfect guy for the job. Chadwell coached at Coastal Carolina, a school that rivaled Liberty in the FCS. Coastal Carolina joined the FBS in 2017. In that offseason, Chadwell became interim head coach and offensive coordinator.
Two Seasons Later
When he got the job full-time two seasons later, his team first struggled. That was until 2020. Coastal Carolina took the college football world by storm. They had an 11-0 record, Mullets and teal football field. Their season ended with a loss to Liberty in the Cure Bowl, 37-34. Despite that loss, Chadwell became the first coach to win AP coach of the year from outside the Power Five. After the strong season, he got nationwide recognition, including their rival. After two more seasons with at least nine wins, Chadwell was ready to join the dark side, Liberty.
From Chris Vannini
Chris Vannini highlights Chadwell’s career with:
“Jamey Chadwell is used to winning, but even Liberty’s 12-0 start has been a pleasant surprise.” In his last four seasons, Chadwell is “43-6, and only Kirby Smart (49) and Nick Saban (48) have more wins in that span,” Vannini said. He also said the resources enticed Chadwell, it being a Christian school, and it does hurt that they gave him a raise.
Liberty Running Away with It
This season, Liberty not only sustained the expectations under Freeze, but they passed them. Liberty powered their undefeated season with their run game. In the C-USA championship game, the broadcast mentioned Liberty. The broadcast said they were the first nonmilitary team to lead the country in rushing since 2019. They have run for 3,938 yards (6.13 yards per attempt) and 39 touchdowns. They have 16 fewer carries than the next team, Air Force. Their 302.9 yards per game is also first. This is despite having more pass attempts than these military academies.
Combining the Spread and Option?
Chadwell’s spread option has thrived. It is partly due to running back Quinton Cooley rushing for six touchdowns in his last two games. Look beyond the strong play of Cooley. Quarterback Kaidon Salter will determine if they can win this game. Salter’s first year as a full-time starter had him thrown for:
- 31 touchdowns
- 2,750 yards
- Five interceptions
Vannini Speaks On
According to Vannini, he ranks third in yards per pass and fourth in efficiency. He comes off the best game of his career. It saw him throw for 319 yards and two touchdowns while only throwing five incompletions. He carried the ball 12 times on the ground for 165 yards while adding another touchdown. This was against a New Mexico State team that was second in the conference in points allowed. Look for Salter to target wide receivers C.J. Daniels and Noah Frith. Daniels caught seven passes for 157 yards and a touchdown in the championship game.
Some Duck Loyalty
Oregon had a slow start, leading to a loss against Washington. After that, the Ducks look to spoil Liberty’s undefeated season. This will be the last game for Oregon’s Heisman Finalist quarterback, Bo Nix. Instead of opting out, Nix wants one more time to play for the school that gave him a second chance. Running back Bucky Irving joins him. Irving announced his intentions of declaring for the draft after the bowl game. With Irving finishing with 20 yards on nine carries his last time on the field, he is looking to rebound. In 2022, Nix and Irving appear connected by a similar experience. They both came out of the transfer portal into Oregon.
Bucky Found His Home
Running and physically will be the key to Oregon winning the game. Before Irving joined the Ducks, he spent his freshman season at Minnesota. He opened up the season behind Mohamed Ibrahim, Trey Potts, and Ky Thomas. He was smaller than the typical Big Ten running back. After an injury to the Golden Gophers workhorse running back Ibrahim, Irving was able to step up. Irving finished only behind Potts in rushing yards with 699 yards and four touchdowns. Despite his success, Irving wanted to go to offense. It better fits his skillset and versatility.
Kenny Dillingham was a former Oregon offensive coordinator. Dillingham presented Irving with what he was looking for. Oregon’s offense allowed Irving to catch the ball in the backfield. This is a valuable skill set needed to thrive in the NFL. Irving followed up a strong freshman year with consecutive 1,000-yard seasons.
Another thing Irving looked forward to is other skilled players in the backfield. His friend Nix led the team in rushing yards in the Washington game. Jordan James also contributed as a power back.
Oregon’s Line
Against a smaller team, look for Oregon to embrace their inter Mario Cristobal. Watch for them to dominate on both lines. Look for their offensive lineman Jackson Powers-Johnson, Josh Conerly, and former Rhode Island transfer Ajani Cornelius to overpower Liberty’s defensive line led by C.J. Bazile. On the defensive side of the ball, I expect Jeffery Bassa, Bradon Dorlus, Jordan Burch, Mase Funa, and Matayo Uiagalelei to make their presence known when rushing the passer.
When throwing, look for Nix to target Troy Franklin and Terrence Ferguson. Look for Liberty cornerbacks Amarion Williams and Singleton to match up against them. On the other hand, look for the matchup of Daniels against first-team All-Pac 12 corner Khyree Jackson.
Will Liberty finish the season undefeated? Or will Oregon physically be too much for the team to handle? Find out with University Foot-Ball.
Author: Tarohn Finley
