Libertyโs Chadwell named a finalist for the Paul โBearโ Bryant Coach of the Year Award
Liberty head football coach Jamey Chadwell was named one of the eight finalists for the 2023 Paul โBearโ Bryant Coach of the Year Award.
Libertyโs Hugh Freeze receives contract extension through 2030
Liberty University announced today it has extended its contract with head football coach Hugh Freeze for eight more seasons. Freeze has led the Flames to a 7-1 record so far this season, and has already clinched bowl eligibility.
Raging fire consumes 4th tank at Cuba oil storage facility
Flames have engulfed a fourth tank at an oil storage facility in western Cuba as the raging fire consumes critical fuel supplies on an island facing a growing energy crisis.
US takes emergency action to save sequoias from wildfires
The U.S. Forest Service says it will take emergency action soon to save giant sequoias by speeding up projects to clear underbrush to protect the worldโs largest trees from the increasing threat of wildfires.
Ex-college professor charged with setting California fires
A federal grand jury has indicted a former college professor for allegedly starting four wildfires in Northern California that threatened to trap firefighters as they battled a massive fire nearby.
Liberty defeats Regent in season opener
Liberty tipped off the 2021-22 season Thursday night in front of a sold-out crowd of 4,034 fans at Liberty Arena, the most fans ever at a game in Liberty Arena. The Flames dominated from start-to-finish, defeating Regent 85-24 for its first win of the season.
![Liberty basketball holds first day of practice for the 2021-2022 season](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/RJM1di4WgTtPyw9Sa9qiLmbQuTU=/800x450/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/10-01-2021/t_3d0c6813b6484d8a9712859df99826ae_name_image.jpg)
Liberty basketball holds first day of practice for the 2021-2022 season
September 30th was a good day for Liberty Menโs Basketball as they took the to the floor for the first official practice of the 2021-2022 season. The Flames made an NCAA tournament appearance in March and return some big dance talent like Darius McGhee and Kyle Rode.
Commonwealth well represented at NCAA Tournament
ROANOKE, Va. โ Sundayโs NCAA Selection Show yielded rich results for 5 schools across the Commonwealth. โItโs certainly a unique way to prepare for the NCAA Tournament,โ Bennett said. In just his second year in Blacksburg, ACC Coach of the Year Mike Young, has guided the Hokies to their 12th NCAA Tournament appearance, fourth consecutive. The Spartans were last in the NCAA DI Tournament in 2012 as a No. This marks the Ramsโ 18th appearance in the NCAA Tournament.
Going dancing: Liberty tabbed as a 13 seed for NCAA Tournament
Liberty will represent the ASUN in the 2021 NCAA TournamentROANOKE, Va. โ During Sundayโs NCAA Selection Show, it was announced that Liberty would be a 13 seed in the NCAA Tournament. This will mark the Flamesโ 5th NCAA Tournament appearance and the second under head coach Ritchie McKay. In 2019, Liberty defeated Mississippi State in the first round before falling to Virginia Tech in the second round, 67-58. The Flames will enter the NCAA Tournament with a 23-5 overall record and an active 12-game win streak. Darius McGhee was named the ASUN Player of the Year, ASUN Tournament MVP and also earned ASUN All-Tournament Team honors along with Chris Parker and Kyle Rode.
Liberty wins third straight ASUN Tournament Championship
Liberty defeats UNA to win its third straight ASUN Tournament ChampionshipJACKSONVILLE, Fla. โ Top-seeded Liberty defeated No. 5 North Alabama, 79-75 to claim the programโs third consecutive ASUN Tournament Championship. ASUN Player of the Year, Darius McGhee, proved his worth by leading the Flames in scoring with 21 points. However, North Alabama is in year two of a four-year transition to Division I, making them ineligible for postseason play until 2023. However, the Flames still added to the trophy case by defeating North Alabama for the third time this season.
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Liberty advances to ASUN menโs basketball final
Chris Parker and Elijah Cuffee led the way for the Flames on offense scoring eight points each. Christian Jones led the way for Stetson scoring 10 points. Key Stats & NotesElijah Cuffee won his 103rd career game at Liberty, becoming Libertyโs all-time winningest player. 31with 956 career points. 28 on Libertyโs all-time scoring list, with 1,019 career points, passing Mike Goad.
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Liberty ends final home game with win over Northern Alabama
LYNCHBURG, Va. โ For the second straight season Liberty has gone unbeaten at home as the Flames completed the sweep over North Alabama, defeating the Lions 74-54. Liberty improves to 19-5 and 10-2 in conference while North Alabama drops to 10-10 and 6-8 in conference. First HalfAfter scoring 29 points on Monday against North Alabama, Darius McGhee stayed hot scoring 11 of Libertyโs first 15 points of the game. Libertyโs defense frustrated North Alabama throughout the half as the Lions shot 32 percent from the floor while Liberty shot 45 percent. Liberty shot 48 percent from three (16-33) while holding UNA to 25 percent (5-20).
Liberty completes sweep over North Florida
LYNCHBURG, Va. โ For the first time in the Liberty-North Florida series, a team has won back-to-back games as the Flames complete the sweep over North Florida, defeating the Ospreys 80-60. The Flames improve to 17-5 and 8-2 in the ASUN Conference while North Florida drops to 7-13 and 5-5 in conference. As Liberty held North Florida on a near four-minute scoring draught, Liberty extended its lead to 18 points (60-42) with 11:52 left in the game. Liberty countered with an 8-0 run to keeping its double-digit lead as North Florida went on a three-minute scoring draught to seal the win. Liberty shot 54 percent while limiting North Florida to 41 percent.
Liberty women get the weekend sweep of Jacksonville
The win bumped the Flames win streak to 11 and proved to be the programโs 16th straight win over an ASUN opponent. The Dolphins saw freshman Khalela Hayes score a game-high 17 points but they dropped their sixth straight game overall. Liberty outrebounded Jacksonville 52-26 leading to 30 second-chance points. Bella Smuda tallied a career-high 15 points and career-high 12 rebounds. Liberty is currently scheduled to play at North Florida Saturday and Sunday, with tipoff slated for 2 p.m. each afternoon at UNF Arena in Jacksonville, Fla.
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Liberty drops game 1 at Stetson
DELAND, Fla. โ Libertyโs second half struggles proved costly in Game 1 of the weekend series at Stetson, as the Flames drop the 66-59 contest to the Hatters. First HalfBlake Preston kickstarted Libertyโs offense scoring six points in the first three and a half minutes of the game. Turnovers proved costly for the Flames in the second half, committing nine turnovers, which led to 14 points for Stetson. ยท This was the second game this season Liberty has outshot its opponent from the field and yet lost. Thoughts from Head Coach Ritchie McKayโTheir (Stetson) game plan was shoot the three, and if you donโt have it, drive it.
Liberty completes sweep over Kennesaw State
LYNCHBURG, Va. โ Liberty completed the weekend sweep over Kennesaw State, defeating the Owls 76-47. Liberty improves to 11-4 this season and 3-1 in the ASUN Conference while Kennesaw State drops to 3-9 and 0-4 in conference. The Flames took advantage of Kennesaw State inside the paint, as 14 of Libertyโs first 20 points were inside the paint. ยท Liberty out-rebounded Kennesaw State 39-29. ยท Liberty outscored Kennesaw State 40-14 inside the paint.
Liberty scores season-high 88 in ASUN-opening win over Lipscomb
Four Lady Flames scored in double figures, and Liberty tallied a season high for points in an 88-59 triumph over Lipscomb. The Lady Flames have won four straight contests overall, seven consecutive ASUN Conference games and nine home games in a row. Lipscomb Individuals: Jordan Peete โ 12 points; Taylor Clark โ 11 points; Jalyn Holcomb โ 10 points, 3 assists; Jane Deason โ 6 rebounds. Eleven different Lady Flames scored points, as the victors recorded 39 bench points. The home team remains undefeated at Liberty Arena, including a 6-0 record for the Liberty menโs basketball team and a 4-0 mark for the Lady Flames.
Liberty outlasts Coastal Carolina in overtime to win Cure Bowl, 37-34
Malik Willis rushed for 137 yards and four touchdowns and Alex Barbir hit a 44-yard field goal in the first overtime to give No. 9 Coastal Carolina in the Cure Bowl in Orlando on Saturday. After Barbirโs field goal, Coastal Carolina had a chance to tie the game on its possession of the first overtime, but Liberty blocked a 42-yard attempt to preserve the win. Liberty never trailed, but saw Coastal Carolina rally from a 31-19 deficit and tie the game at 34-34 with 3:01 remaining. Liberty finished its season 10-1 and handed Coastal Carolina (10-1) its first loss of the season.
Liberty leads Coastal Carolina at halftime of Cure Bowl
23 Liberty is off to a great start in the Cure Bowl in Orlando against No. 9 Coastal Carolina, as the Flames have taken a 17-13 lead at halftime. Malik Willis rushed for two touchdowns in the first quarter, one from five yards out to give Liberty a 7-0 lead with 6:59 left in the first and another on a 6-yard touchdown run with six seconds remaining in the opening quarter to give the Flames a 14-0 lead. Liberty (9-1) is trying to end a bid for a perfect regular season by Coastal Carolina (10-0).
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Liberty runs by Alcorn State in final non-conference test
Lynchburg, Va. โ Liberty closes out the 2020 calendar year with a 108-65 win over Alcorn State. Liberty started the game 6-10 from the field, while holding Alcorn State to 3-10 on offense. Liberty led Alcorn State 19-16 at the 10:26-mark and the Flames would go on a 15-3 run as the Flames continued to be efficient on offense. After shooting 58 percent in the first half, Liberty would go into the break with a 57-33 lead. Liberty outscored Alcorn State 32-18 inside the paint.
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Liberty defense steps up in rout of South Carolina State
โ Libertyโs defense led the way in the Flamesโ 82-52 win over South Carolina State. First HalfSouth Carolina State got off to a hot start, jumping out to a 14-5 lead, sparked by Rahsaan Edwardsโ nine points. Liberty did not allow South Carolina State to score a field goal in the final 10:50 of the half and ended the 1st half on a 31-1 run, going into the break with a 44-17 lead. As Libertyโs starters set the tone, Libertyโs bench came in and provided offense as well, outscoring South Carolina Stateโs bench 23-12 throughout the game. Liberty shot 50 percent for the game, while holding South Carolina State to 39 percent.
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Liberty earns a victory in first menโs game in new arena
The first game in Liberty Arena was a success for the Liberty menโs basketball team as the Flames improve to 3-2 with a 78-62 win over St. Francis (1-3). The Flames shot 53 percent from the field, led by Keegan McDowellโs career-high 21 points. First HalfLiberty did an exceptional job of getting its players involved on offense to start the game, as eight players scored for Liberty in the first half. The Flames distributed the ball well throughout the night, especially in the second half recording nine assists off 13 makes. Key Stats & Notesยท Liberty shot over 50 percent for the third time this season.
Liberty aiming to โremain humbleโ ahead of Western Carolina matchup
LYNCHBURG, Va. โ โIf you donโt humble yourself you will be humbled so, weโre taking that approach,โ said Flames Safety, Ben Alexander. Despite riding high on โCloud 9โ at 7-0 with two ACC victories, they aim to remain true to themselves. โYou talk about 2020 being strange, weโre playing our 8th football game and facing an opponent that hasnโt had a game. Now, thatโs strange and uncomfortable and not quite sure what to prepare for,โ said head coach Hugh Freeze. Lining up in hopes of not letting up when they kickoff at Noon Saturday--as they aim to win their 10th consecutive home game.
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Liberty extends head football coachโs contract through 2026
LYNCHBURG, Va. โ Looks like Liberty Universityโs head football coach is going to stay with the Flames for six more years. Liberty announced Wednesday that it has extended its contract with Hugh Freeze, the head football coach, through the 2026 season. โWe are proud of Coach Freeze and the football program,โ said Jerry Prevo, Liberty University President. Falwellโs vision was for Liberty to compete at the highest level of college football and Coach Freeze is making great strides towards realizing the vision.โPrevo said that this contract extension demonstrates his commitment and support of Freeze and the football program. โCoach Freeze is a wonderful blessing to Liberty and we are grateful for his outstanding leadership of our football program and mentorship of our football student-athletes,โ said Director of Athletics Ian McCaw.
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Virginia Tech Win Pushes Flames into Both Top 25 Polls
LYNCHBURG, Va. โ Following a thrilling 38-35 win over in-state foe Virginia Tech on Saturday, Liberty has moved into both top 25 polls for the first time in program history. 22 in the Associated Press poll and received their first-ever ranking in the Amway Coaches poll at No. In its second full season at the FBS level, Liberty cracked the top 25 polls last week when the Flames were ranked No. 25 in the Associated Press poll. Liberty is one of two FBS independents currently ranked in both top 25 polls.
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Liberty Flames defeat Virginia Tech Hokies, 38-35
The Liberty Flames defeated the Virginia Tech Hokies by a score of 38-35. The Flames started the game off scoring in the first quarter with a Malik Willis 32-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver CJ Yarbrough. In the second quarter, Liberty scored again with a 2-yard touchdown pass from Willis to tight end Jerome Jackson. In response to the Liberty touchdown, Virginia Tech quarterback Hendon Hooker completed a 3-yard touchdown pass to tight end Nick Gallo. Then in the fourth quarter, Willis extended the Liberty lead to eight points with a 5-yard touchdown pass to tight end Johnny Huntley.
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Recruiting Reality: Part 2, how college recruiting is affected by no high school football season
According to Johnson, the average percentage of players the Flames are recruiting in states without fall football is 36%, and 19% of those are in the state of Virginia. โWhere it sticks us, we will prioritize over states that are playing football," Johnson said. โThe big challenge for us moving forward is the actual 2021 class, their senior film," Adams said. That leaves high school football coaches as the liaison between their players and the next level. That when the spring comes around and you can play, hopefully it all pays off?
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Liberty cracks AP Top 25 Football poll for 1st time
In just its second full season at the FBS level, Liberty has cracked one of the nationโs top 25 polls, entering the Associated Press poll at No. With 118 votes in this weekโs poll, the Flames (6-0) secured the final ranking spot in this weekโs media poll. Liberty is one of two FBS independent programs in this weekโs Associated Press Top 25 poll, joining fellow undefeated program BYU, who is ranked No. 25 in the STATS FCS Poll on Nov. 7, 2016, during one of the Flames' final seasons at the FBS level. 25 Liberty will travel to Blacksburg, Va., this weekend to face its second ACC foe of the season in Virginia Tech.
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7 for 7: Willisโ record-setting day sparks Libertyโs victory over Southern Miss
The win had special meaning to Liberty Head Coach Hugh Freeze, a 1992 Southern Miss graduate. Willis added 97 rushing yards on 12 carries, and his rushing touchdown gave him seven total touchdowns. Southern Miss quarterback Tate Whatley (52 yards rushing, 188 yards passing) rushed for a Williams Stadium record-tying four touchdowns and added a passing touchdown. After Liberty held each of its previous three opponents to below 100 rushing yards, the Golden Eagles totaled 215 rushing yards. Southern Miss scored with less than a minute left to set the final score.
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Freeze welcomes alma mater as Liberty preps for Southern Miss
โI want to beat Southern Miss. I have fond memories of being at Southern Miss, meeting my wife there and so many dear friends there that I met but โฆ you want to win,โ Freeze said. Southern Miss hasnโt played since Oct. 3, having had two games postponed due to COVID issues. And just Tuesday, Southern Miss announced that interim head coach Scotty Walden tested positive for the virus. And we have a game with Southern Miss on Saturday, we donโt entertain the possibility it could be canceled.
Liberty adds UMass back to 2020 football schedule
LYNCHBURG, Va. โ A game that was previously on the Flames' 2020 football slate has returned as Liberty and UMass will end up meeting on the gridiron this season. Liberty has announced it will host the UMass Minutemen at Williams Stadium on Friday, Nov. 27 at Noon. โWe are excited to confirm the game with UMass on Friday of Thanksgiving weekend,โ said Director of Athletics Ian McCaw. Liberty was previously scheduled to host UMass on Saturday, Nov. 28, but the contest was dropped from the Flames' 2020 schedule when the Minutemen announced they were not going to play football this fall in August. UMass Athletics provided an update on the status of its football program on Sept. 21, stating the Minutemen would play a limited schedule in 2020.
![Liberty knocks off Syracuse 38-21 for 1st win over ACC opponent](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/vjJoVXsbYWBaQ8XiWyz1P8XeBho=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/BBISZL65LVB2BEVK7THDMVJY64.jpg)
Liberty knocks off Syracuse 38-21 for 1st win over ACC opponent
Liberty earned its first-ever win over an ACC opponent, rolling to a 38-21 victory at Syracuse, Saturday at the Carrier Dome. 22 Syracuse, Liberty registered 338 yards on the ground in todayโs historic win. Liberty came into the game ranking seventh in the nation in rushing yards per game (250.8), while Syracuse allowed 237.5 rushing yards per contest. With the victory, Liberty improves to 5-0 for the first time since opening the 2008 season with six straight wins. The Flames pushed their winning streak to seven games, their longest since a program-record 11-game winning streak spanning Oct. 20, 2007 through Oct. 11, 2008.
Flames striving for offensive consistency against Syracuse
LYNCHBURG, Va. โ The Syracuse Orange came to the Hill City and left the Flames a sour 24-0 loss in 2019โฒs season opener. โI actually think theyโre better,โ said Syracuse head coach Dino Babers. โI think weโre further along in year two than I thought weโd be,โ said Liberty head coach Hugh Freeze. Liberty enters at 4-0 with a staunch defense but an offense thatโs seeking consistency in the passing game. The Flames hope to be the ones standing on Saturday and in the process, gain their first ever win over an ACC team.
Liberty defeats Louisiana-Monroe 40-7 in special teams showing
With the win, Liberty improves to 4-0 for the first time since opening the 2008 season with six straight wins. Liberty became the second 4-0 team in FBS football this season, as only SMU beat the Flames to four wins this year. During the game, Liberty Athletics honored its 12th Athletics Hall of Fame class. Liberty stifled a ULM passing attack that came into the game averaging 265 yards per game. For the game, Liberty totaled twice as many first downs as the visitors (20-10), with four of ULMโs first downs coming in the fourth quarter.
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Liberty aiming to not only win but โPass the Testโ on Saturday
LYNCHBURG, Va. โ While the Flames imprved to 3-0 last week with a win over North Alabama, Coach Hugh Freeze was honest with his team in his evaluation. โI told them I thought we did not pass the test Saturday. We got the win which was good but didnโt pass the test,โ Freeze said. They trust us, we trust them,โ said Flames running back Peytton Pickett. Thatโs pretty much going to be the standard for the game,โ said Flames defensive end Jayod Sanders.