College football: Predicting the last place team from every conference

College football: Predicting who finishes in last place of every conference

CHICAGO, IL - JULY 24: Illinois Football head coach Lovie Smith speaks to the media during the Big Ten Football Media Days event on July 24, 2018 at the Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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WACO, TX – SEPTEMBER 2: Liberty Flames head coach Turner Gill looks on against the Baylor Bears during a football game at McLane Stadium on September 2, 2017 in Waco, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) /

FBS Independents: Liberty

Two new institutions will join the FBS Independent Conference: Liberty and New Mexico State. Liberty went 6-5 in their final year being a part of the Big South Conference, but they are in the big leagues now. A last-place finish as a first-time FBS school is possible.

The Flames’ biggest win last year and in program history came in Week One against Baylor. Liberty stunned the Bears in Waco 48-45 setting Matt Rhule and the team on a path to a 1-11 season. However, the team is 5-21 overall against FBS schools. Now in a conference with Notre Dame, BYU, UMass, and Army along with New Mexico State, head coach Turner Gill will truly be tested.

Fortunately, the team has some talent returning as they prepare to take this next step. Quarterback Stephen Calvert returns for his junior year after throwing for 3,363 yards and 29 touchdowns. Leading receiver Antonio Gandy-Golden is also returning, fresh off 1,066 yards and 10 touchdowns. Those numbers from both players were good enough to lead the Big South, but at the FBS level, things change.

While the Flames finished first in the Big South in total offense, they finished last in total defense, surrendering 448.5 yards per game. Fortunately, the team is retaining leading tackler Juwan Wells and starting linebacker Brandon Tillmon. If Liberty hopes to compete in their first year at the FBS level, the defense has to perform better.

The schedule begins with two respectable FBS teams in Old Dominion and Army, which could be a 0-2 start to the season. Northfolk State is the only FCS opponent and unfortunately might be their only win. For the rest of the year, Liberty faces five bowl teams from last year including Power Five opponents Auburn and Virginia. A two-win season in their first year in the FBS seems very possible.