With New Mexico State set to square off against Liberty this Saturday, I asked ASeaOfRed.com publisher and Flames beat writer Jon Manson some questions about the Aggies’ upcoming opponent.

1. Liberty made the jump to the FBS this past offseason, joining New Mexico State as one of the few Independents in Division I-A football. What do you expect from the Flames in the coming years as far as building an FBS program and potential conference affiliation is concerned?

Our Athletic Director has stated that he anticipates being an Independent for the foreseeable future. Ever since the school was founded by the late Jerry Falwell, he talked about it being the equivalent of a BYU or Notre Dame type institution for those of the Christian faith. So, being an Independent at this point in time, is what is best for the program. We expect the first couple of years as an FBS program to have its fair share of growing pains, but we are also hopeful of a successful program as well. 

2. Head coach Turner Gill has had a winning record in each of his first six seasons in Lynchburg. After a solid 2-2 start to the season that includes last week’s 52-43 win at New Mexico, do you expect that run of success to continue this season?

That will certainly be a big challenge with the move to the FBS ranks, but we’re trending in that direction with 2 wins already. We still have two games scheduled against FCS opponents, two against NMSU, and a game at UMass which we are all certainly winnable, but that leaves little to no margin for error. 

3. With over 330 passing yards per game, Liberty is clearly an offense that wants to air it out. Quarterback Steven Calvert and wideout Antonio Gandy Golden have been standouts through the first four games, but what other playmakers on offense should the Aggie D look out for?

Those are the two biggest names, with NFL potential. Keep an eye out for slot receiver DJ Stubbs. He’s had a couple of breakout games as a sophomore so far this year, and he was splitting time with Damian King. King went down to injury last week at New Mexico and will miss at least 4 weeks, giving the way to Stubbs to be on the field a lot more beginning this week. BJ Farrow is a 5th year senior with loads of experience. Running back Kentory Matthews was injured against North Texas and missed the New Mexico game. He is questionable for this week, but he’s our top rusher.

4. The Flames currently rank in the bottom-25 in points and yards allowed per game to this point in the season. What unit most needs to improve for the Liberty defense going forward?

The corners. Jeremy Peters is good and JUCO transfer Bejour Wilson is coming along, but behind them the Flames are very thin and can be exploited through the air.

5. What is your score prediction and why?

Liberty 35, NMSU 24. The long trip and elevation will be a challenge for the Flames, but they overcame that last week against a better New Mexico squad. No win at the FBS level is easy for Liberty at this stage, but this is one that is certainly winnable. It’s the first game the Flames have been favored to win this year. With the Aggies’ offense struggling through the first half of the season, they will likely have a difficult time keeping up with Buckshot & company.