Liberty won NCS D1 last season, but that is not what it once was. They didn’t even win their league, and did not qualify for the Open division, which should be a goal of all D1 teams, not to hide from the other top teams by sliding into a toothless D1 field. That being said, a win vs Mack and a strong remainder of the season could propel them into the Open division this year. The goals should be what Pitt accomplished last season, 1) win BVAL, 2) make Open division, 3) make the Open finals and qualify for a state bowl (championship?) game. And then if they can put it all together and 4) slay the Green Machine in the finals, 5) win a state Open or bowl title.
They have their sights set much higher than NCS D1 this season. A loss to Mack could hurt those aspirations.