50 Facts About Liberty Flames Football

Establishment and Early Years

Liberty Flames football has a rich history that began over five decades ago. Let's dive into the origins and early milestones of this storied program.

1. Establishment: The Liberty Flames football program was established in 1973, marking the beginning of a long and storied journey in college football.
2. Private Christian University: Liberty University, where the Flames play, is a private Christian university located in Lynchburg, Virginia.
3. First Season: The first season of Liberty Flames football was in 1973, marking the beginning of a long and successful journey in college football.

Conference Affiliations and Memberships

The Flames have been part of various conferences, each shaping their journey in unique ways.

4. Conference Affiliations: The program has been affiliated with various conferences over the years, including the NAIA Division I, NCAA Division II, NCAA Division I-AA, Big South Conference, and Conference USA.
5. Transition to FBS: In 2017, Liberty University announced its transition to the FBS level, a significant step forward for the program.
6. Provisional Membership: The Flames became a provisional FBS member in 2018, paving the way for their full membership and bowl eligibility in 2019.
7. Full Membership: Liberty University became a full FBS member with bowl eligibility in 2019, opening up new opportunities for the team.
8. Conference USA Membership: In 2023, the Liberty Flames became full members of Conference USA, further solidifying their place in the FBS.

Leadership and Coaching

Strong leadership has been a cornerstone of Liberty Flames football. Here are some key figures and their contributions.

9. Athletic Director: The current athletic director is Ian McCaw, who oversees the entire athletic department at Liberty University.
10. Head Coach: As of the 2023 season, the head coach of the Liberty Flames is Jamey Chadwell, who is in his second season leading the team.
11. Head Coach Jamey Chadwell: Jamey Chadwell led the team to an undefeated regular season and a Conference USA Championship in his first season as head coach.
12. Head Coach Hugh Freeze: Prior to Jamey Chadwell, Hugh Freeze served as the head coach from 2019 to 2022, leading the team to several notable victories and bowl appearances.

Stadium and Facilities

The Flames' home field and facilities have evolved significantly over the years.

13. Stadium: The home stadium of the Liberty Flames is Williams Stadium, which has a capacity of 25,000 seats and features a FieldTurf surface.
14. Location: The stadium is located in Lynchburg, Virginia, providing a home-field advantage for the team.
15. Williams Stadium Expansion: Williams Stadium was expanded in 2010 to become one of the best FCS stadiums in the country and again in 2019 to meet the 25,000-seat FBS requirements.
16. Liberty Indoor Football Practice Facility: The Liberty Indoor Football Practice Facility, which opened in 2017, houses the Flames Fan Fest game day festivities and provides a climate-controlled environment for practice.

Achievements and Records

Liberty Flames football has a history of impressive achievements and records.

17. All-Time Record: The all-time record for the Liberty Flames stands at 299-254-4 (.540), showcasing a balanced history of wins and losses.
18. Bowl Record: The team has a bowl record of 3-2 (.600), indicating a strong performance in postseason games.
19. Conference Titles: The Liberty Flames have won nine conference titles throughout their history, demonstrating their ability to excel within their respective conferences.
20. AP Poll Appearance: In 2020, Liberty entered the AP Poll at No. 25 for the first time in program history, a significant milestone for the team.
21. AP Top 25 Poll: In 2020, Liberty finished the season ranked 17th in the AP Top 25 Poll, a testament to their strong performance that year.
22. Conference USA Championship: The Flames won the Conference USA Championship in 2023 by defeating New Mexico State 49-35 at Williams Stadium, capping off a remarkable season.
23. New Year’s Six Bowl Bid: Following their championship win, Liberty received a Group of Five New Year’s Six Bowl bid, marking another historic achievement for the team.
24. Fiesta Bowl Appearance: On January 1, 2024, the Liberty Flames faced the Oregon Ducks in the Fiesta Bowl, their first major bowl appearance in school history.

Key Players and Performances

Individual players have made significant contributions to the team's success.

25. Quarterback Kaidon Salter: Kaidon Salter, the sophomore quarterback, had a remarkable season in 2023, earning CUSA Most Valuable Player honors and setting multiple records for the team.
26. Offensive Records: The 2023 season saw the most prolific rushing attack in the nation, with the team producing program season records of 4,106 total yards and 39 touchdowns on the ground.
27. Quarterback Efficiency: Kaidon Salter boasted the FBS’s third-highest quarterback efficiency in the nation with 44 touchdowns (32 passing, 12 rushing) in the 2023 season.
28. Former Players: Dr. Samkon Gado, a former running back for the Flames, praised the team's progress, stating that it was beyond his imagination and a wonderful step in the right direction.
29. NFL Draft: The Liberty Flames have produced several NFL draft picks, including wide receivers Fred Banks and Kelvin Edwards, who were the first two players from the program to be selected in the NFL Draft.

Memorable Games and Moments

Certain games and moments have left a lasting impact on the program's history.

30. Hurricane Impact: The remnants of Hurricane Juan in 1985 devastated the team's practice facility on Treasure Island, leading to a move to campus and the construction of Williams Stadium in 1989.
31. Military Appreciation Day: The game against Old Dominion was played on Military Appreciation Day, drawing a crowd of 21,481 fans, the seventh-largest home attendance in program history.
32. Homecoming Attendance: The game against Old Dominion trailed last weekend's Homecoming attendance by only 166 fans, highlighting the strong support for the team.
33. Opponent Performance: The team limited Old Dominion to 280 total offensive yards, the second-lowest offensive output by a Flames' opponent that season.
34. Sack and Tackles for Loss: The team matched their sack (5) and tackles for a loss (11) season-high against Old Dominion, demonstrating their defensive prowess.
35. Quarterback Kaidon Salter’s Performance: Kaidon Salter accounted for five touchdowns, throwing three and running for two more, in the game against Old Dominion.
36. Running Back Quinton Cooley’s Performance: Quinton Cooley led the rushing attack with 19 carries for 85 yards, contributing to the team's balanced offense.
37. Wide Receiver CJ Daniels’ Performance: CJ Daniels posted his sixth career 100-yard game and fifth of 2023 with seven receptions for 137 yards and caught two of Salter’s three touchdown passes.
38. Defensive Line Performance: The defensive line, led by Bryce Dixon and CJ Bazile, Jr., had career days with eight tackles, 1.0 sacks, and 1.5 TFLs for Dixon and seven tackles, 1.5 TFLs for Bazile, Jr.

Traditions and Culture

The Flames' traditions and culture play a significant role in their identity.

39. Colors: The team's colors are red, white, and blue, reflecting the Christian values and patriotic spirit of Liberty University.
40. Fight Song: The fight song of the Liberty Flames is "Fan the Flames," which is sung by the fans to show their support and enthusiasm during games.
41. Mascot: The mascot of the Liberty Flames is Sparky, a symbol of school spirit and team pride.
42. Marching Band: The marching band for the Liberty Flames is known as The Spirit of the Mountain, adding to the overall fan experience and team atmosphere.
43. Faith-Filled Family Atmosphere: The team's faith-filled family atmosphere has been instrumental in their success, with coaches and players alike emphasizing the importance of faith and teamwork.

Recent Success and Future Prospects

The Flames continue to build on their recent successes, aiming for even greater heights.

44. Balanced Offense: The 2023 season showcased the team's most balanced offense, with 230 yards rushing and 225 yards passing in a single game against Old Dominion.
45. Bowl Wins: Under Hugh Freeze, the Liberty Flames won their first bowl game as an FBS program in 2019, marking a significant milestone in their transition to the FBS.
46. Historical Achievements: The Liberty Flames have achieved several historical milestones, including winning at least six games every season since 2006, one of just nine Division I programs to accomplish this feat.
47. Website: The official website for Liberty Flames football is Liberty.edu, providing fans with up-to-date information and resources.
48. Rivalries: One of the notable rivalries for the Liberty Flames is with Coastal Carolina, adding an element of competition to their schedule.
49. All-Time Record: The all-time record for the Liberty Flames stands at 299-254-4 (.540), showcasing a balanced history of wins and losses.
50. Bowl Record: The team has a bowl record of 3-2 (.600), indicating a strong performance in postseason games.

Liberty Flames Football: A Legacy of Excellence

Liberty Flames football has come a long way since its start in 1973. From humble beginnings to becoming a force in NCAA Division I FBS, the team has achieved remarkable milestones. With nine conference titles, a strong bowl record, and an undefeated regular season in 2023, the Flames have proven their mettle. The leadership of coaches like Jamey Chadwell and Hugh Freeze has been pivotal, guiding the team to new heights. Key players like Kaidon Salter and Quinton Cooley have set records and thrilled fans. The faith-filled family atmosphere and state-of-the-art facilities like Williams Stadium and the Liberty Indoor Football Practice Facility have also played crucial roles. As the Flames continue to rise, their story is a testament to determination, teamwork, and faith. Liberty Flames football isn't just a program; it's a legacy of excellence.