Flames fans fired up for first-ever matchup at Virginia Tech

Flames Nation will be well represented at Saturday afternoon’s season-opening football game between Liberty University and Virginia Tech, the first-ever gridiron clash between the two schools.

More than 2,000 Flames faithful, including members of the Spirit of the Mountain Marching Band, are expected to be in Lane Stadium in time for the 12:30 p.m. kickoff, with a caravan of fans making the 90-mile trip from Lynchburg to Blacksburg, Va.

“We sold more tickets than we ever have for an away game against an FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision) opponent,” said Brett Metcalf, Liberty’s director of fan experience & promotions, noting that some are still available through Virginia Tech’s ticket office. “You can count on a few thousand fans decked out in Liberty red.”

The Flames Ticket Office handed out car flags to fans picking up their tickets and parking passes (while supplies lasted), so they can show their support all the way to Blacksburg and back.

More than 325 alumni and Flames Club members will flood three tents inflated for pregame festivities and many more fans will set up tailgate parties in nearby parking lots.

Flames fans will join a crowd likely to be larger than 60,000, which would be the most to witness any Liberty team in action.

“We’re excited about this football season getting started, and we know we’re going to have a great showing from our fans, being right here in Virginia,” Flames fifth-year Head Coach Turner Gill said.

He added that playing in front of such a large crowd won’t be a major factor.

“We’ve got to make sure we’re able to communicate when it’s loud and we’ve simulated that at every practice with music, crowd noises, all kinds of distractions,” he said. “I think our kids have done a very, very good job of it and now that they’re in the spotlight, they’ve got to do what they’ve been doing in practice. If they do that, I think they’ll be able to respond in a good way and be successful.”

Gill and Virginia Tech first-year Head Coach Justin Fuente have faced off in the same football stadium before. Gill served as quarterbacks coach for the Nebraska Cornhuskers (his alma mater) when Fuente took snaps for Oklahoma in losses to the Cornhuskers in 1996 and 1997. Gill has the Flames well prepared for their season debut.

“Any time you’re playing an FBS team, there’s a lot more attention to detail, a lot better focus,” Gill said. “We’re excited to play a formidable opponent in Virginia Tech. We’re just looking forward to the opportunity.”

Fans can anticipate a fast-paced contest as both teams have implemented up-tempo, no-huddle offenses in the offseason, ignited by quarterbacks Stephon Masha (Liberty) and Jerod Evans (Virginia Tech).

The Flames feature a couple players with connections to Virginia Tech, including junior third-year starting offensive lineman Tanner Hartman, a graduate of Liberty Christian Academy and transfer from Penn State University. Hartman’s father, Tom, played for the Hokies in the early 1980s.

Among Liberty’s most passionate backers will be senior strategic communication major Jacob Webb, a converted Virginia Tech fan from Roanoke, Va. He plans to camp out with Flames fanatics before enjoying breakfast burgers out of alumnus Chad Hasson’s red, white, and blue camper prior to the most highly anticipated season-opening showdown in recent Liberty history.

“I’m picking the Flames to pull out the victory on Saturday with a key being the creative play of (Stephon) Masha,” Webb said. “I expect the defensive line of Virginia Tech to break down the offensive line of the Flames (so) Masha’s speed and playmaking ability will have to be phenomenal and calculated to pick up first downs. The battle of the trenches is something for fans to keep their eyes on.”

Liberty has upset four FBS opponents over its 43-year history, including two in the past two seasons. The Flames are scheduled to travel back to Blacksburg for a rematch in 2020.

For Liberty fans unable to travel to Virginia Tech, the game will be televised on the ACC Network through WDBJ Channel 7 with a live webcast streamed through ESPN3 (available at LibertyFlames.com/TV) and radio coverage provided by Liberty Flames Sports Network (LFSN) on The Journey FM.