Liberty's 6-1 mark hides the weakest schedule in FBS

Liberty's record says plenty on its own, six wins against one loss, but the ratings fill in what that number leaves out. The Flames carry a strength of schedule rank of 138, last among FBS teams, which tempers just how much credit that win total deserves. Even so, Versus still likes what it sees underneath: a B- power grade, a B on defense and an overall rank of 70, placing Liberty 39 spots ahead of Florida Int'l at No. 109 and giving the Flames the top Versus rating in CUSA.

Florida Int'l counters with a defense graded C that has held every opponent this season to single-digit margins, never allowing a loss by more than 10 points. The Golden Panthers also tend to play better at home than on the road, a tendency that works against them this week since the trip is to Liberty's building. Their offense, graded D-, is the bigger concern against a Liberty defense ranked 53rd.

Liberty has been rolling lately, riding a five-game winning streak built on lopsided scoring margins. Florida Int'l does own the recent head to head, having beaten Liberty 34-27 in their last meeting, though Liberty still leads the four-game series 3-1. This one counts in the CUSA standings, and Versus projects Liberty to win 31-12, giving the Flames an 87 percent chance.