Liberty University preview capsule

LYNCHBURG, Va. --

The skinny

Coach: Turner Gill (first season at Liberty, 25-49 in six seasons overall)

2011: 7-4, 5-1 Big South

Offense: Gill's first task is a formidable one: replace Mike Brown, arguably the most prolific dual-threat quarterback in Big South Conference history. Junior Brian Hudson and redshirt freshman Josh Woodrum are first in line for the job. Gone, too, is standout wide receiver Chris Summers. The Flames return abundant experience at running back. Senior wideout Pat Kelly caught 40 passes for 591 yards last year. He likely will become the new QB's primary downfield target.

Defense: Liberty's shift from a three-man front to a 4-3 will add emphasis upon defensive-line play. Three experienced linemen return, but quality depth is a question. Depth at linebacker, on the other hand, is plentiful. It begins with sophomore Nick Sigmon (60 tackles, 30 solo, in 2011). Cornerbacks Kevin Fogg, a senior; Walt Aikens, a junior; and junior safety Chris Mayo lead a solid secondary.

Special teams: The departures of kicker Matt Bevins and punter Mike Larsson represent a substantial problem. Sophomore kicker Aaron Sassaman and junior punter Grant Bowden, a transfer from Virginia Tech, are regarded as likely replacements. Fogg is a first-rate kickoff/punt returner.

Quotable: "Mental errors we're trying to make sure that's something we can control. We want to minimize (lapses of awareness). That's the quickest way to lose a football game not doing the small things, the detail things, right." Gill, on his team's area of greatest emphasis at the conclusion of preseason training camp

Outlook: The success of Liberty's season depends on two periods of adjustment the team to Gill and the offense to its new quarterback. The Flames likely will not match last year's 35.9-point offensive average. The defense, which allowed an average of 34.5 points in last season's four losses, must quickly become surly if Liberty is to challenge preseason favorite Stony Brook for the Big South championship.

Bottom line: 8-3, 5-1 (second in the Big South)

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Liberty University preview capsule