College Football Predictions – Old Dominion Monarchs 2017 NCAA Football Preview
2016 Recap
2016 Record – 10-3
2016 ATS – 8-4-1
Yes, guy.
The Monarchs rattled off six straight wins to end the season including a victory in their first ever bowl game to finish up the season at 10-3. In fact Old Dominion lost only one game after the month of September and that was to Western Kentucky. The Monarchs proved they are a program on the rise by winning a share of the CUSA East title.
2017 MEGALOCKS Opening Power Rating
Conference USA – TBD
East Division – TBD
OFFENSE
The Monarchs got exceptional play at the QB position last season and will now await the outcome of the multiple-player battle for the 2017 starting role. MEGALOCKS OLD DOMINION INSIDERS tell us that the favorite is sophomore Blake LaRussa who may not have ideal size but has impressed so far in camp. The longshot is 17 (!) year old true freshman Steven Williams who has turned heads. Stay tuned.
The running game could be the best in the conference. The Monarchs bring back their excellent 1-2 punch in Ray Lawry and Jeremy Cox who combined for almost 2,000 yards rushing and 24 TDs in 2016. The offensive line paved the way for 5.1 yards per carry and only allowed 19 sacks last year and they return 4/5 starters. The Monarchs lose last season’s #1 WR Zach Pascal but still look really good at the position. This offense has a really high ceiling if the QB(s) can overachieve.
DEFENSE
Old Dominion finished last season ranked 3rd in CUSA in total defense and allowed just 27 points per contest. They were tied for 2nd in sacks as they managed to get excellent PENETRATION. This season they bring back 6 starters and look pretty good on the DL and in the secondary. The line features a pair of dangerous pass rushers (Oshane Ximines, Bunmi Rotimi) who combined for 14.5 sacks last season. The defensive backfield brings back 3/4 starters including 2nd Team CUSA CB Brandon Addison. The question is at LB where they lose their top-2 leading tacklers from the 2016 team. We still feel this defense is good enough on paper to keep them in the hunt for a division title.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Things look decent. PK Brad Davis nailed 10/12 FG attempts in 2016. The return units should be fine even with the departure of dangerous KR Zach Pascal. Their punting was poor last year (last in CUSA punting average) and hopefully P Bailey Cate can improve.
Potential ATS Trouble Spot
Nothing of note. They never have to play back-to-back road games. Schedule looks manageable.
MEGAmazing Tidbits
The capacity of the Monarch’s home field is just over 20,000 which makes it one of the smallest venues in the FBS.
MEGALOCKS ATS Value Rating (10) 7.0
MEGALOCKS says:
Overall, we give the MONARCHS a 7.0 ATS Value Rating (Above Average) this season.
Last year MEGALOCKS DIME CLUB MEMBERS were amazed by our call on Old Dominion. A 9.0 ATS value rating. They finished 8-4-1 vs the number. HC Bobby Wilder has only managed a 7-17 ATS record (ouch) in their two seasons in C-USA but we think they can do some damage against the point spread in 2016.
What about 2017 ?
The Monarchs are a legit contender in the CUSA East division. Even with the uncertainty at QB the offense will be tough to handle. We like a lot of the pieces on defense and HC Bobby Wilder is doing a fine job. We feel there may still be value backing this team vs Vegas as they have not become a DEGENERATE FAVORITE yet and are likely to be underrated.
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Website
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Forum
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News
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http://bleacherreport.com/old-dominion-football
http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/teams/old-dominion-monarchs
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