Weekly Press Conference: LendingTree Bowl

Football Game Notes vs. LendingTree Bowl

Football Game Day Central vs. Eastern Michigan

Press Conference: Head Coach Hugh Freeze

More Coverage of the LendingTree Bowl @LibertyFootball

Liberty Head Football Coach Hugh Freeze took part in Friday’s LendingTree Bowl press conference from the Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile, Ala., on Friday morning.

During the weekly press event, Freeze reflected on Liberty’s week in Mobile leading up to the LendingTree Bowl, plus previewed the Flames’ matchup against Eastern Michigan.

“4 Downs” with the Eagles

1. Hugh Freeze's first win at Liberty was a 35-17 victory over MAC opponent Buffalo on Sept. 14, 2019. This marks the Flames' first MAC matchup since that day. Each of Liberty's first two wins over FBS opponents came against MAC foes (Eastern Michigan in 1989 and Ball State in 2010). Prior to Saturday, Liberty has only appeared on ESPN once (2020 Cure Bowl vs. Coastal Carolina).
2. The first meeting between Liberty and Eastern Michigan was two years after EMU's first bowl victory (1987 California Bowl vs. San Jose State). The second meeting between the two teams comes two years after Liberty's first bowl win (2019 Cure Bowl vs. Georgia Southern). Only twice has Liberty gone longer between matchups against an opponent (Middle Tennessee - 39 years [1982-2021] and Jacksonville State - 34 years [1982-2016]).
3. Liberty has played three games against teams from Michigan in program history. In addition to their 1989 win over Eastern Michigan, the Flames went 1-1 against Saginaw Valley State in 1982 and 1983. The Flames have closed out each of the last three seasons (2018, 2019 and 2020) with victories and are one of nine FBS teams to do so.
4. Liberty posted a program-record four wins over bowl teams this season (Middle Tennessee, North Texas, Old Dominion and UAB). The Flames are looking to avoid their first four-game losing streak in four years. Liberty's most recent four-game losing streak spanned Sept. 23-Oct. 21, 2017.