Picks and Predictions for the Flames

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Liberty Flames History

The Liberty Flames football program has grown from a small independent team into a legitimate Group of Five contender in a relatively short amount of time. Established in 1973, the Flames spent decades climbing through the ranks of NCAA football before reaching FBS status in 2018. Their rise was accelerated by significant investment in facilities, recruiting, and coaching—turning Liberty into a nationally relevant program faster than most expected.

The Flames gained national recognition under head coach Hugh Freeze, who took over in 2019. Freeze led Liberty to multiple bowl wins and helped the program crack the AP Top 25 for the first time in school history. The 2020 season was especially notable, as Liberty went 10-1 and defeated Coastal Carolina in the Cure Bowl, ending the year ranked No. 17 nationally. Since then, Liberty has consistently competed at a high level, including a perfect regular season in 2023 and a spot in the New Year’s Six bowl rotation under current head coach Jamey Chadwell.

Today, the Flames are a respected member of Conference USA, boasting a high-powered offense, a dual-threat quarterback system, and a knack for winning close games. Their rapid rise, explosive style, and track record of outperforming expectations make them an appealing team for college football bettors.

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Liberty Flames Timeline

1973 – Liberty University launches its football program as a member of the NAIA.
1988 – Liberty moves to NCAA Division I-AA (now FCS), continuing its climb up the college football ranks.
2009 – Under head coach Danny Rocco, the Flames make a national impact at the FCS level with multiple Big South Conference titles.
2018 – Liberty becomes a full FBS member, marking a major step in its football evolution.
2019 – Hugh Freeze is hired as head coach and leads the team to an 8-5 season and a Cure Bowl victory, the program’s first-ever bowl win.
2020 – Liberty finishes 10-1 and ranked No. 17 nationally after another Cure Bowl win, this time over Coastal Carolina.
2021 – The Flames go 8-5 and reach their third consecutive bowl under Freeze.
2022 – Freeze departs for Auburn; Jamey Chadwell (formerly of Coastal Carolina) is hired to continue building the program.
2023 – Liberty goes 13-0 in the regular season, wins the C-USA Championship, and plays in the Fiesta Bowl, the school’s first appearance in a New Year’s Six bowl.
2024 – The Flames finish 11-2 and once again reach the C-USA title game, continuing their dominance in the conference and solidifying their national profile.

Liberty Flames Stats

Enhance your betting strategy for the Liberty Flames’ current season by analyzing the statistics below and uncovering valuable betting opportunities.

Liberty Flames Roster for 2025

The 2025 Liberty Flames were expected to be a top national contender due to a roster comprised of both seasoned veterans and emerging talent.

Liberty Flames Injury Report

Check out the latest injury report for the Ragin’s Cajuns:

Liberty Flames 2025 Betting Outlook and Trends

To increase their chances of success, those interested in betting on the Flames’ 2025 season should keep an eye on important betting trends. Our best handicappers are also tracking these angles as the season develops.

Run-Heavy Offense Means Clock Control

Liberty’s rushing attack was one of the most dominant in the country, averaging nearly 300 yards per game in 2023. With a similar scheme expected in 2025, their run-first offense could continue to chew up clock and limit possessions. Bettors may find value in the under, especially in matchups where the opposing team prefers a slower pace.

Conference USA Domination Should Continue

Despite a few hiccups in 2024, Liberty remains one of the most talented teams in Conference USA. Their ability to control games in-conference makes them a strong candidate for spreads under a touchdown and especially on the moneyline. Expect them to be favored in most C-USA games.

Home Field Edge Still Strong

Liberty has been nearly automatic at Williams Stadium, including an undefeated home record in 2023. This makes them a reliable pick at home, particularly when favored by less than a touchdown. Bettors should look closely at Liberty’s home ATS record early in the season to catch soft lines.

ATS Market Adjustment Incoming

After back-to-back seasons of offensive explosiveness, oddsmakers have begun to adjust totals and spreads more aggressively for Liberty. Their 6-6 ATS record in 2024 shows the market catching up. Expect tighter lines in 2025, especially in non-conference play.

Quarterback Play Could Swing Totals

Liberty’s offense is at its best when the quarterback is efficient in the option and deep ball. If their starter in 2025 can hit big plays off the run-pass option, overs may become more viable again, particularly against weaker defenses in the conference.

Defensive Consistency Still a Question

While the offense has been elite, the defense has been more up and down. If Liberty struggles against the pass again in 2025, opponents may be able to hang around longer than expected—making spreads riskier in blowout spots. Bettors should monitor early-season defensive stats to gauge whether Liberty can cover larger lines.
For even more weekly betting insights, check our updated NCAAF previews during the season.

Betting Trends from the 2024 Season

These trends influenced the 2024 Louisiana betting outcomes and can also be used to evaluate potential performance in 2025.

• Overall Performance – The Liberty Flames concluded the 2024 season with an 8-4 record, finishing fourth in Conference USA.
• Against the Spread (ATS) Record – The Flames achieved a 6-6 ATS record during the 2024 season, indicating a balanced performance relative to betting expectations.
• Totals (Over/Under) Record – Liberty had a 5-7 record in Over/Under outcomes, suggesting that their games tended to go under the projected point totals.
• Performance as Favorites – The Flames won six of the nine games in which they were favored, reflecting a 66.7% success rate in such matchups.
• Home Field Advantage – Liberty remained unbeaten at home during the 2023 season, showcasing a strong home-field advantage.
• Offensive Prowess – The Flames averaged 38.3 points per game in 2023, ranking ninth nationally, indicating a potent offense that often influenced game totals.
• Rushing Dominance – Liberty led the nation in rushing yards per game in 2023, averaging nearly 294 yards, which played a significant role in their offensive strategy and game outcomes.

Key Players for Betting on the Liberty Flames

The 2025 Liberty Flames roster features several impactful players who are poised to significantly affect the team’s performance and betting outcomes this season.

Jayden Bradford – Quarterback
Jayden Bradford, a freshman from IMG Academy, is expected to take the reins as Liberty’s starting quarterback in 2025. Standing at 6’0″ and weighing 185 pounds, Bradford’s dual-threat capabilities align well with the Flames’ offensive scheme.

Vaughn Blue – Running Back
With the departure of leading rushers, sophomore Vaughn Blue is poised to become a central figure in Liberty’s backfield. In the previous season, Blue showcased his potential by averaging nearly six yards per carry. His ability to handle an increased workload and contribute both on the ground and in the passing game will be crucial for the Flames’ offensive balance and could impact player-specific betting lines.

Julian Gray – Wide Receiver
Junior wide receiver Julian Gray is expected to be a primary target in Liberty’s passing attack. At 5’11” and 190 pounds, Gray’s speed and route-running abilities make him a significant threat to opposing defenses. His performance could influence game totals and player-specific betting lines, especially in matchups against less experienced secondaries.

Joseph Carter – Linebacker
Senior linebacker Joseph Carter returns as the Flames’ leading tackler, having recorded 88 stops in the previous season. His presence in the middle of the defense provides stability and leadership. Carter’s ability to disrupt opposing offenses will be instrumental in determining the effectiveness of Liberty’s defense and could affect betting lines related to opponent scoring and defensive turnovers.

TJ Bush Jr. – Defensive End
Sophomore defensive end TJ Bush Jr. is anticipated to be a key contributor to Liberty’s pass rush. At 6’2″ and 255 pounds, Bush’s agility and strength enable him to challenge opposing offensive lines effectively. His performance in generating sacks and pressures will be vital for the Flames’ defensive success and may influence betting strategies concerning defensive metrics and opponent passing effectiveness.

Liberty Flames Schedule

Don’t miss out on a Flames game this season:

Bet Smarter on the Liberty Flames

The Liberty Flames have quickly become a powerhouse in Conference USA and one of the most exciting Group of Five teams in the nation. Their explosive offense, strong home-field advantage, and aggressive playstyle create consistent betting value—especially in rushing props, conference matchups, and tight spreads. With a young but talented core returning in 2025, Liberty remains a team bettors should monitor closely week after week.

We’ve highlighted their recent betting trends, strengths in tempo and scheme, and how player performances could shape their ATS and totals profile this season. Whether you’re targeting game totals, moneyline upsets, or team-specific prop bets, the Flames offer multiple angles for sharp bettors to exploit.

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Want to stay updated on the latest NCAAF betting trends? Check out our expert betting guide!

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