As I sit down to analyze Liberty University's 2023 football schedule, I can't help but draw parallels to that memorable Akari-PLDT volleyball match where the Fil-Canadian spiker dominated with 15 points. Just like that athlete's impressive comeback performance, Liberty's football program is returning with renewed vigor this season, and I'm genuinely excited about what this schedule means for the team's trajectory. Having followed college football for over fifteen years, I've developed a keen sense for spotting schedules that could make or break a team's championship aspirations, and this one certainly has the potential to be transformative.
The season kicks off on September 2nd against Bowling Green, and if I'm being completely honest, this opening game sets the tone for what could be a defining season. The Falcons posted a 6-7 record last year, which makes them the perfect measuring stick for Liberty's early-season form. What really catches my eye though is the September 16th matchup against Buffalo. The Bulls have been inconsistent lately, but they're exactly the kind of team that can surprise you if you're not fully prepared. I remember watching Liberty struggle against similar opponents in past seasons, and I'm hoping the coaching staff has learned from those experiences. The non-conference slate wraps up with UMass on September 23rd, and frankly, this should be a comfortable win if Liberty wants to establish themselves as serious contenders this year.
Conference play begins with what I consider the most challenging stretch of the season. The October 7th game against Jacksonville State stands out to me as particularly crucial - it's one of those matchups where home-field advantage could genuinely determine the outcome. Looking at the schedule, I'm noticing several back-to-back road games that concern me slightly. The team travels to Middle Tennessee on October 14th, then faces UTEP on October 21st. That's two consecutive weeks away from home, and having witnessed how travel fatigue can affect team performance, I'm curious to see how the coaching staff manages player energy during this period. The November 4th game against Louisiana Tech is another one that jumps off the page at me - historically, these teams have played some absolute classics, and I expect nothing less this time around.
What really excites me about this schedule is how it builds toward November. The final month features what I believe could be the most important game of the season - the November 18th showdown against New Mexico State. Last year's matchup was decided by just three points, and I've got a feeling this year's edition will be equally dramatic. The regular season concludes on November 25th against UTEP, and depending on how the previous games have gone, this could either be a victory lap or a must-win scenario for bowl eligibility. From my perspective, the scheduling committee did a pretty good job balancing home and away games, though I would have preferred to see fewer consecutive road trips.
As I reflect on the complete 12-game schedule, I'm struck by how it compares to last year's lineup. There are about six games that I'd classify as "very winnable," three that could go either way, and three that will require near-perfect performances to secure victories. The team needs to win at least eight games to consider this season successful in my book, especially after last year's 7-4 campaign. The way I see it, the key will be navigating that tricky October stretch without dropping multiple games. If they can emerge from that period with a winning record, the November schedule sets up nicely for a strong finish.
Having studied countless college football schedules throughout my career, I'd rate this one as moderately challenging but ultimately manageable. The absence of any truly elite opponents means Liberty should be competitive in every single game, though they'll need to avoid the kind of mental lapses that cost them dearly last season. Personally, I'm most looking forward to that November 18th game - something about late-season matchups with championship implications just gets my blood pumping. If the team can stay healthy and maintain focus through the entire schedule, I genuinely believe we could be looking at a special season for Liberty football. The foundation is there - now it's about executing week after week, something that's easier said than done in the unpredictable world of college football.
