The Liberty Flames didn’t miss a beat in Jamey Chadwell’s inaugural season leading the program. Some College Football bettors expected a learning curve after Hugh Freeze's departure to the SEC, but the Flames defied expectations by going undefeated with a 13-0 campaign in their first season in Conference USA. As a result, the team is considered a major contender for the lone Group of Five bid to the now-expanded College Football Playoff this upcoming college football betting season. Why not? The nation’s No. 1 ranked rushing attack returns its primary weapons and added even more reinforcements in the offseason. Liberty is one of only six college football teams with a 10.5-game win total at the online sportsbook, joining five other Power Five teams. Regardless of whether the Flames live up to their lofty preseason expectations, they’re likely to light up scoreboards and compete to defend their title.
College Football Season Wins Odds
Liberty Flames 2024-25 Regular Season Win Total Odds
Liberty Over 10.5 Wins -138
Liberty Under 10.5 Wins +118
A Case for the Over: It begins and ends with the onslaught Liberty’s backfield will administer upon every opponent that steps in its way. Despite interest from other teams clamoring for his services in the transfer portal, QB Kaidon Salter remains with the Flames for his junior campaign, coming off a season where he proved to be a viable dual-threat under center. Liberty, boasting the nation’s No. 1 ranked rushing attack, didn’t require Salter to throw often. However, when called upon, he delivered with 2,876 passing yards, a 32:6 TD/INT ratio, and a 61.0 percent completion rate. Salter also added 1,089 rushing yards and 12 TDs with his legs. Backing him up was Wake Forest transfer RB Quinton Cooley, who shredded defenses for 1,401 yards and 16 TDs, averaging an impressive 6.3 yards per carry. Although the offensive line loses some production from last year, this dynamic duo returns to make hay and will be crucial in helping the new faces along the front wall gel quickly. Last season, the duo allowed for Liberty to rack up nearly 294 rushing yards per game (No. 1) and average 6.1 yards per carry, second only to LSU. Even more confident with the playbook and knowing full well what can be done when firing on all cylinders, this offense will be a fun one to take in for CFB bettors every passing week.
A Case for the Under: CUSA is far from the conference it once was. As such, the Flames are likely to be favored in every one of their 12 scheduled games this CFB betting season. However, after dominating all opposition in their conference debut last season, their counterparts now know what to expect. It’ll be interesting to see how the team performs with a target on its back instead of being a relative unknown. The treks to New Mexico State and Appalachian State to battle the Aggies and Mountaineers won’t be a walk in the park, and neither will the home game against Western Kentucky. The Hilltoppers gave the Flames a run for their money in L.T. Smith Stadium last season before ultimately bowing out by a 42-29 final count. Additionally, the injury bug could come into play. Should any key players succumb to injuries, losses could be the end result.
2024-25 Liberty Flames Schedule
| DATE | OPPONENT |
| Aug 31 | vs. Campbell |
| Sep 7 | at New Mexico State |
| Sep 14 | vs. UTEP |
| Sep 21 | vs. East Carolina |
| Sep 28 | at Appalachian State |
| Oct 5 | OFF |
| Oct 8 | vs. FIU |
| Oct 19 | OFF |
| Oct 23 | at Kennesaw State |
| Oct 30 | vs. Jacksonville State |
| Nov 9 | at Middle Tennessee |
| Nov 16 | at UMass |
| Nov 23 | vs. WKU |
| Nov 29 | at Sam Houston |
Though the unreal march through the regular season, capped off with a CUSA title game trouncing of New Mexico State, was tarnished by a trouncing against the Oregon Ducks in the Fiesta Bowl, the experience was likely unforgettable for this squad. With 12 starters, six on each side of the ball, returning for 2024, the team is undoubtedly hungry for more, and the schedule is set up for another major step forward. It’s highly likely that Jamey Chadwell will be coaching a Power Five program next season, but for now, Liberty possesses one of the great up-and-coming minds in college football. I fully expect him to make the most of it, and wouldn’t at all be surprised if the team mimics last year’s undefeated run to the title game. Should they do just that, Liberty could make history by becoming the first Group of Five team to qualify for the College Football Playoff. I’m all for it and will be rooting it on to come to fruition right from the opener against Campbell!
College Football Win Total Prediction: Liberty Flames Over 10.5 Wins
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