The Liberty Flames (3-0) square off against a familiar opponent when they visit the Florida International Panthers (3-1) on Saturday, September 23, 2023 at Riccardo Silva Stadium in a CUSA battle.
Want to watch this matchup? You can do so on ESPN+.
When is Liberty vs. Florida International and when does it start?
This matchup between the Flames and Panthers will happen on Saturday, September 23, 2023. You can expect the kickoff at 6:30 PM ET.
Where to watch Liberty vs. Florida International
The Flames and Panthers will take to the field at Riccardo Silva Stadium for this matchup on September 23, and if you want to see the game live, get your tickets now from Vivid Seats!
What channel is the game on?
You can catch this game live on ESPN+.
Watch Liberty vs. Florida International live stream on ESPN+
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Liberty vs. Florida International Game Preview
Liberty Stats & Insights
The Flames head into the matchup after winning 55-27 over the Buffalo Bulls in their last game on September 16.
Liberty ranks 64th in total defense this season (343.3 yards allowed per game), but has been playing really well on the other side of the ball, ranking 18th-best in the FBS with 494.7 total yards per game.
The Flames are averaging 254.3 passing yards per game offensively this year (53rd in the FBS), and they are giving up 194.0 passing yards per game (39th) on the defensive side of the ball.
Liberty sports the 89th-ranked defense this year in terms of rushing yards (149.3 rushing yards allowed per game), and has been better on the other side of the ball, ranking seventh-best with 240.3 rushing yards per game.
Offensively, the Flames have been a top-25 unit, ranking 17th-best in the FBS by totaling 40.7 points per game. They rank 69th on defense (22.7 points allowed per game).
Florida International Stats & Insights
The Flames enter the matchup after winning 55-27 over the Buffalo Bulls in their last outing on September 16.
Florida International’s defense has been bottom-25 in total defense this season, surrendering 429.0 total yards per game, which ranks 22nd-worst. On offense, it ranks 100th with 341.3 total yards per contest.
From an offensive angle, the Panthers are putting up 217.8 passing yards per contest (83rd-ranked). They rank 103rd in the FBS on the other side of the ball (253.3 passing yards surrendered per game).
Florida International’s defense has been bottom-25 in run defense this season, ceding 175.8 rushing yards per game, which ranks 25th-worst in the FBS. Offensively, it ranks 102nd with 123.5 rushing yards per contest.
The Panthers rank 85th in the FBS with 25.3 points per game on offense, and they rank 68th with 22.5 points given up per contest on defense.
Liberty Key Players to Watch
Kaidon Salter has thrown for 763 yards (254.3 ypg) to lead Liberty, completing 59.2% of his passes and tossing nine touchdown passes this season. He’s also run for 191 yards (63.7 ypg) on 38 carries with three rushing touchdowns.
Quinton Cooley’s team-high 221 rushing yards (73.7 per game) have come on 41 carries this year.
C.J. Daniels’ team-high 252 receiving yards (84.0 yards per game) have come on 10 receptions with two touchdowns.
Treon Sibley has recorded 205 receiving yards (68.3 yards per game) and one touchdown, hauling in 10 passes this year.
EJ Smoot has hauled in five grabs for 102 yards (51.0 ypg) and two touchdowns this season.
Florida International Key Players to Watch
Keyone Jenkins has 867 passing yards (289.0 ypg) to lead Florida International, completing 56.2% of his passes and collecting five touchdown passes and three interceptions this season. He’s also chipped in on the ground with 64 rushing yards (21.3 ypg) on 29 carries with one rushing touchdown.
Shomari Lawrence has carried the ball 47 times for a team-high 291 yards (72.8 per game), with two touchdowns this year.
This season Kejon Owens has racked up 18 carries for 122 yards (61.0 per game) and three touchdowns.
Kris Mitchell’s team-high 370 receiving yards (92.5 yards per game) have come on 19 receptions with four touchdowns.
Eric Rivers has recorded 58 receiving yards (29.0 yards per game), hauling in two passes this year.
Jackson McDonald’s four catches have netted him 55 yards (27.5 ypg).
