The Liberty Flames are facing many important concerns as they get ready for the 2025 fall football season, which might determine how well they play in Conference USA (CUSA). We will examine the areas that might allay team worries and assist pave the way for a good season in this second installment of our five-part series. In order to maintain the team's competitiveness throughout the year, the coaching staff and players will need to confront the numerous unanswered questions on the roster during training camp.

Identify a strong quarterback to lead the team.

Every football club entering training camp will confront the inevitable quarterback competition. For Liberty, the situation in 2025 is no different, and it is one of the most important themes heading into the season. The quarterback position will most certainly decide the team's offensive identity and success early in the season, and Liberty football may minimise most of that ambiguity if a clear QB1 develops fast.

The most critical consideration here is time. Whether it's Ethan Vasko, Ryan Burger, Michael Merdinger, Jayden Bradford, or Ethan Houck, the coaching staff must choose a starting quarterback as quickly as possible. This will provide the chosen player the required practice reps to become comfortable with the offensive concepts and create chemistry with the rest of the club. Quarterback consistency is critical for success, especially in the early stages when the offence is still establishing its groove.

The importance of a consistent quarterback situation cannot be emphasised. A well-chosen quarterback would result in a more unified offence, with better timing, communication, and efficiency in the early weeks of the season. As the team prepares for its first few games, having an established quarterback will allow for more efficient game preparation, fewer turnovers, and a stronger chance to build a consistent offensive approach. 

Fix the offensive line's underperformance.

In 2023, Liberty's offensive line was one of its most important assets, contributing significantly to both the rushing game and pass protection. However, as the 2025 season approaches, the queue will see some turnover, including a few key departures. While the offensive line under Coach Bill Durkin has shown to be one of the most dependable groupings in the conference, the issue now is whether the new guys can gel quickly enough to sustain that level of performance. With multiple new faces on the roster, the offensive line's cohesiveness will be critical to the team's success, especially early in the season. 

The line's success is dependent on how successfully the new players fit into the scheme and create rapport with returning starters. Training camp will be the opportunity to establish that rapport, ensuring that the offensive line is fully functional before the regular season begins. If this team can gel fast and find their rhythm early on, they will be able to lay the groundwork for one of the nation's most dynamic rushing assaults. 

Liberty's offensive line has always been a source of stability, protecting the quarterback and creating lanes for the running backs. In 2025, if they can quickly adapt and form a dominant front, they will continue to lead the offence. A strong offensive line will aid the team's rushing attack, which has long been a key component of Liberty's offensive identity. A strong, coherent line will also provide up possibilities for the passing game to flourish, balancing the offence and putting pressure on rival defences. 

Create a solid Defensive Backline

While Liberty's offence may have some early problems, its defence has the potential to be one of the best in Conference USA this season. The squad returns numerous critical veterans in the secondary and linebacker positions, as well as intriguing youngsters who might provide depth and talent. If the defence can improve its performance and become more consistent, it will relieve some of the strain on the offence, especially in early games when attacking consistency may still be a work in progress.

Liberty's defence certainly has the individual potential to thrive, but the key will be how effectively they work together as a team. To prevent losing key plays, the team must strike a balance between aggressive playmaking and discipline. A solid defensive performance early in the season might provide the offence ample time to establish its footing, relieving pressure on a growing quarterback.

With a strong defence, Liberty could successfully control the game's tempo and keep opponents from scoring, giving the offence more time to create a rhythm. Whether it's stopping the run, pressing the quarterback, or defending in the secondary, the Flames' defence has the tools to be a force in CUSA this season. If the defense can take the next step in its evolution, Liberty could position itself to compete for a top spot in the conference.

Special Teams Play Remains Reliable

While the emphasis has primarily been on offence and defence, special teams play will be crucial for Liberty to address problems heading into the season. Punting, kicking, and kick returns are often overlooked aspects of a team's performance, but they can mean the difference between winning and losing, especially in close games. If Liberty's special teams unit can maintain its consistency from prior years, the squad will have a solid foundation in all areas of the game. 

Consistent kickers may assist secure points in tight situations, while good punting and kickoff coverage can restrict opponents' field position advantages. Special teams frequently play a critical role in momentum shifts, and Liberty's ability to produce in these areas will offer the club with more opportunity to succeed, particularly when the offence or defence has issues early in the season. 

Create Squad Depth in order to prevent eventual Injuries

No team can forecast injuries, but having depth in key positions may help reduce the damage when they do occur. Liberty has made improvements in recruiting and developing players, and depth at positions like as running back, wide receiver, and defensive line might be critical to remaining competitive throughout the season. Having guys ready to step up and contribute, especially when starters require rest or are out, will be critical to keeping the club in contention for a winning season.

Liberty must have excellent players available to contribute when required, whether it's backup quarterbacks, offensive line rotation players or defensive backfield depth. The ability to cycle fresh personnel, especially early in the season when teams are still getting into their routines, may help Liberty maintain a high level of play even when faced with adversity. 

Addressing Key Concerns 

Liberty football has a lot of skill and promise to improve on as autumn practices begin in 2025, but there are several obvious problems that must be addressed throughout training camp. Liberty can alleviate many of its worries moving into the season by making quick judgements on the quarterback position, enabling the offensive line to develop, improving the defence, and maintaining consistent special teams play and depth. 

With a focused and effective camp, the Flames might climb to the top of Conference USA, paving the way for a successful and competitive season. The ability to answer these critical concerns early will give Liberty the energy it needs to face the difficulties of the 2025 season straight on.