The Old Dominion Monarchs didn’t lay claim to a division title in 2017. Instead, they gobbled up 10 victories including a season-ending one over Eastern Michigan in the Bahamas Bowl. Now, the Monarchs return 15 starters and are right back in the thick of things in the Conference USA’s East Division.
Head coach Bobby Wilder’s team does have some question marks heading into this year. His offense will have an inexperienced signal-caller behind center. On a positive note, Old Dominion has a strong and experienced supporting cast back to help. On defense, the front seven should be strong and the secondary goes two-deep.
The Monarchs probably won’t get to notch another ten win season on their belts, but getting at least six and a bowl berth shouldn’t be too difficult. However the scenario plays out, Old Dominion won’t be sneaking up on anybody this season.
Offense
Over the last few years, quarterback play hasn’t been a problem for Old Dominion. That also includes last year’s run. In 2016, the Monarchs relied on converted wide David Washington. Washington responded by throwing for 31 touchdowns and only five interceptions.
With David Washington graduated, Old Dominio’s offense must find a replacement. There are several candidates stepping up for the job. At the top of the list is last seasons back-up Blake LaRussa and redshirt freshman Drayton Arnold. As of mid-July, LaRussa was the top performer and likely will be starting against Albany.
This year, the running back spot is the least of the Monarchs worries. Both senior Ray Lawrey and junior Jeremy Cox are back. Lawrey is Old Dominion’s all-time leading rusher. In 2016, he ran for over 1,200 yards on 200 carries and scored the rock 11 times. Cox complimented his teammate nicely. He also scampered for over 750 yards and recorded another 13 touchdowns. Both should help ease the quarterback transition that head coach Bobby Wilder is facing.
Unfortunately, the passing attack will lose their best wide out with the departure of Zach Pascal. Pascal reeled in 65 catches for almost a thousand yards and nine scores. Luckily, both Jonathan Duhart and Travis Fulgham return. Combined, the two collaborated for 77 catches for over 1,200 yards and 17 trips to the promised land.
At the end of last season’s run, only one senior offensive linemen started. This means that plenty of experience is back in the trenches for Old Dominion. Center Nick Clarke will be the center piece of a squad that has the ability to cycle in nine different athletes.
Defense
Old Dominion also sports plenty of depth in their front four. In fact, coach Wilder gave the defensive line credit as the bunch who set the tone for the ten win season. The Monarchs held teams to 8.6 fewer points and 54.2 fewer yards per contest than in 2015.
Defensive end Oshane Ximines chased down a team-high 7.5 sacks and 19 tackles over the last two seasons. On the other side, fellow edge rusher Bunmi Rotimi added seven more take downs. Also, Daniel Appouh and Tim Ward are two more salty ends that are also back. That means there are at least four standouts who will play on the inside of the defensive line.
Opposite of that, the line backers are young and not nearly as deep. Junior Marvin Branch has the most playing experience. Sophomores Terez Dickerson and Derek Wilder, the coach’s son, will be on the field too. Because of the lack of depth at the position, word has it that Old Dominion will play nickel sets twice as much in 2017.
Another huge reason for the nickel package look is because the Monarchs are deep in their secondary as well. Two cornerbacks, senior Brandon Addison and sophomore Jamez Brickhouse return. Both have made names for themselves as big-game players in the conference. Addison was a Second-Team All-Conference performer last year. Also, Rob Thompson and Justice Davila will provide stability for the Monarchs at the safety spots.
Prediction
Even though Old Dominion didn’t capture their first league title in 2015, the ten win season put them on the FBS map. Now, 15 starters return from that group and I can’t see a reason why that success won’t continue.
Now, 15 starters return from that group and I can’t see a reason why that success won’t continue. They have winnable games against UMASS and Albany in the first two weeks. They also get to play Marshall during their rebuilding process.
On the flip side of that coin, the Monarchs will face Conference USA power-house Western Kentucky as well as non-conference games against Virginia Tech and North Carolina.
Sin City has the Old Dominion Monarchs to record 6.5 wins at -110. To me, this is as good as bet as you can ask for in the conference. They also have them at 12 to 1 (+1200) to claim their first league championship. Yes, this team could certainly over achieve in 2017, but without a proven quarterback, a conference crown is unlikely.
Schedule
9-2 vs. Albany
9-9 @ UMass
9-16 vs. North Carolina
9-23 @ Virginia Tech
10-7 vs. Florida Atlantic
10-14 @ Marshall
10-20 vs. Western Kentucky
10-28 @ North Texas
11-4 vs. Charlotte
11-11 @ Florida International
11-18 vs. Rice
11-25 @ Middle Tennessee
The getmoresports.com NCAA College Football Throwdown Podcast will be returning to the air on August 24th. We will be highlighting the first five games on August 26th of the 2017 NCAA College Football season. That will be the first of three installments leading into the first week of the season. We also we will be covering our expectations for the Heisman Trophy front runners as well as predictions for conference winners and team totals.
Our second NCAA College Football Throwdown is penciled in for August 29th. In that installment, we will be discussing all the games that will be played on August 31st and the 1st of September.
Our third segment will officially be airing on August 31st. In this edition of the NCAA College Football Throwdown, we will be covering all the relevant games for Sept 2nd, 3rd, and 4th.
Keeping with tradition, EJ the Rainmaker and Erik the Hun will give their predictions for the contests. On top of that, we will be providing our dog play of the podcast as well as cash money plays for the week. Join us for all three opening episodes and improve your college football knowledge while increasing the size of your sports book betting account. Come join us and help everyone make it rain. #moneytreesgrow Also, feel free to download the
Join us for all three opening episodes and improve your college football knowledge while increasing the size of your sports book betting account. Come join us and help everyone make it rain. #moneytreesgrow Also, feel free to download the getmoresports app from the Google Play Store. It makes finding all your sporting information easy and available with just a touch of an icon on your mobile device.
