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Flames Football studies Georgia Southern’s option offense in preparation for tomorrow’s bowl matchup

On Dec. 30, 2013, Ole Miss Football Head Coach Hugh Freeze looked on from the sidelines as the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets moved confidently down the field on their first offensive drive and punched the ball into the endzone with over four minutes remaining in the first quarter of the Music City Bowl.

Freeze, now the head coach of Liberty University’s football squad (7-5), will look on from the Flames sideline during Saturday’s Cure Bowl as the Georgia Southern Eagles (7-5) will attempt to give him a flashback from 2013.

Freeze acknowledged during the Cure Bowl press conference Thursday that he will not be surprised if the Cure Bowl’s beginning takes the form of the Music City Bowl, considering the similarities in both the Yellow Jackets’ and Eagles’ option offenses.

The Eagles run an old school option offense which, though it has variations, ultimately boils down to the quarterback reading the defensive end and deciding to either run the ball himself or, just before he takes a hit, pitching it to the running back. Because the quarterback has the option to run, hand off to one of his backs or even pass the ball, stopping this scheme will require significant discipline and awareness from the Flames defense.

Freeze explained that due to 2019 being the Flames first season of bowl eligibility, the majority of their roster is comprised of FCS recruits. While the FCS recruits are talented, the difference between FCS and FBS is noticeable and that difference in roster depth could be a factor in the game.

The Eagles have thrown for less than 1,000 yards this season because their option offense concentrates on the running the ball with fewer passes thrown throughout the game. This scheme means more runs and typically equates to long, clock draining drives which may wear down the defense.

The Flames’ defensive stamina, depth, and endurance will be put to the test Saturday, as will their mental toughness. Senior linebacker Solomon Ajayi will be called upon to rally his men and keep their spirits high throughout the lengthy drives the Eagles offense will attempt to compile.

Flames’ senior quarterback Stephen “Buckshot” Calvert will likely surpass 3,500 passing yards on the season during Saturday’s Cure Bowl. If the Flames are going to keep up with the long offensive drives that the Eagles expect to put up, the star quarterback will need to be efficient with the football and distribute it wisely.

The Flames have the offensive firepower to match the Eagles’ stingy defense and hope to be clicking on all cylinders to give Liberty Football fans a game for the ages.

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