Old Dominion Monarchs 2016 NCAA Football Preview
OLD DOMINION MONARCHS
Conference USA
2015 Record – 5-7
ATS – 3-9
2016 MEGALOCKS Opening Power Rating Rank
East Division #5
Conference #7
2015 Recap
It was a tough end to the season. The Monarchs needed a win in the final game to make their first ever bowl appearance. Unfortunately, they lost a close game to Florida Atlantic and finished the season at 5-7. There were still no quality wins to hang their hat on as they only managed to top Eastern Michigan, Norfolk St, Charlotte, UTSA and UTEP. We believe those teams had a combined record of 3 wins and 98 losses but will have to check the stats.
2016 Preview
OFFENSE
This should be an interesting season in Norfolk. The offense returns nine starters including a couple of experienced QBs. Senior David Washington brings the element of mobility to the position but has been battling injuries. Whatever happens, the Monarchs appear committed to using more of a ground game this season, and even a little bit of the option, in order to take advantage of their deep stable of running backs. It will also have the benefit of keeping the defense off the field. The offensive line looks to be in good shape as they return 3/5 starters and over 50 career starts.
When the Monarchs decide to MATRICULATE down the field in the passing game they are loaded with excellent targets. The top three receivers from last seasons’s squad all return in 2016 and they also get back TE Melvin Vaughn who had 30 receptions and 3 TDs in 2014.
DEFENSE
It is really simple. If Old Dominion ever wants to challenge for a C-USA Title, or even a divisional crown, they need to get a lot better on defense. They have given up 36 and 38 points per game the past two seasons but return 8 starters to the unit this year in hopes of significant improvement. Three starters return on the DL, tackling machine TJ Ricks returns at LB and they have two experienced CBs. Everything is lined up. All they need to do is produce.
SPECIAL TEAMS
It is quite the disparity between good and awful in this unit. PK Chris Kirtley did a nice job last season connecting on 10/13 FGs including 4/5 from 40+ yards. Now the bad. The Monarchs only averaged 2.1 yards on punt returns. Somehow, that did not rank them dead last. They also need to find a new punter as projected starter Dalton Fraser is no longer with the team.
MEGALOCKS ATS Value Rating (10) 9.0
MEGALOCKS says:
It has to happen this year. It may not, but all the stars are aligned for the Monarchs to make their first ever bowl game appearance. Any time you face UTSA, Charlotte and UMass in consecutive weeks you owe the schedule-maker a freshly-baked homemade apple pie. They finish up with FAU and FIU, so if push comes to shove, at least they will have a fighting chance to slither into the post season.
Overall, we give the MONARCHS a 9.0 ATS Value Rating (Excellent) this season. This team is just too experienced to not exceed expectations. We also think they may slip under the radar, especially if they get pummeled early on by a tough Appalachian St team and/or NC State. We will be patient. 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.
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