Our C-USA Football preview continues with the Old Dominion Monarchs: "prowling" into the #9 spot.
Yes, my puns continually worsen.
A lot of potential & a long way to go
The Monarchs are a difficult team to pinpoint. Although they are not C-USA Championship material [yet], ODU has a certain je ne sais quoi. They are unexplainable and have an unspeakable presence; however, we have yet to witness the Monarchs maximize on their true potential. They have their highs, they have their lows, but beware as to not "sleep" on them.
In 2009, the modern era of Monarchs made their debut in the FCS under head coach Bobby Wilder. From 2009-2013, and under the direction of Wilder, ODU went 46-14. With such early and consistent success, Wilder led his team into the FBS and C-USA. Now, heading into their third year of FBS play, the Monarchs have a FBS record of 11-13.
Much like the rest of C-USA, ODU was riddled with injury and inexperience in 2015. In 2014, the Monarchs went 6-6 with one heck of an offense (57th). 6-6 is a good first year record in the FBS. However, Wilder was tasked with replacing - current Minnesota Vikings 3rd string quarterback - Taylor Heinicke as well as a struggling defense. After a 5-7 record in 2015, the Monarchs are fingers crossed for an improved 2016 campaign.
On offense, the Monarchs could startle their opponents if they remain healthy.
A solid running back corps looks to replace a corps that lacked a ton of depth in 2015. Despite a nagging foot injury sending him to last place in the depth chart, returning star Ray Lawry looks to continue his 2014 and 2015 success. In 2014, Lawry accumulated 947 yards and 16 touchdowns...as a freshman. In 2015, Lawry led C-USA with 1136 yards and 11 touchdowns. Should he get over the foot injury, Lawry is looking at another stellar season. If not, he has reliable backups in Jeremy Cox, Gemonta Jackson, and Brandon Simmons Jr.
Last year, preseason injuries struck a promising duo of tight ends. In response, ODU implemented a four wide receiver, spread offense. This year, should injury not rear its ugly head, the Monarchs hope to utilize their tight ends, gradually. Until then, ODU will heavily rely on their run game and wide receivers Zach Pascal and Jonathan Duhart. Pascal, a 2016 Biletnikoff Award Watch List honoree, racked up 970 yards and 8 touchdowns in 2015 while Duhart had 636 yards and 8 touchdowns.
However, not all is crystal clear. Although the versatile David Washington appears to be the front runner for the starting quarterback role, Shuler Bentley is nipping at Washington's heels. In 2015, Bentley - ODU's first four-star recruit (2014) - played well at times. However, mistakes led to a Washington starting role. Then, Washington suffered from a season-ending knee injury at Southern Mississippi. And with that, Bentley was back to finish the season. Fans may not know who will start, but they can find peace in that their 2016 quarterbacks have a bit more experience.
The theme for offense is "depth," and the offensive line has a huge question mark hanging over their heads. In 2015, the Monarchs had seven different starting lineups. Going into 2016, ODU is losing two starters and return five players that started at least two games. Upon the departure/firing of Bill Dee, Chris Malone was hired to fix the struggling offensive line. Malone has a solid resume as a coach in the FCS, but only time will tell how this translates to FBS. The offensive line will have to improve immensely for the skill positions to shine. Sometimes, a little change is all you need.
In 2015, an inexperienced defense allowed 35.75 points per game: 106th in the nation. The Monarchs seem to still be operating on an FCS-caliber level. Given some more experience and better recruits, there is no reason we should not see ODU's defense grow out of their awkward teenage years throughout the upcoming seasons.
There is hope for 2016 as the Monarchs return defensive tackle Rashaad Coward, defensive end Bunmi Rotimi, linebacker TJ Ricks, and defensive end Oshane Ximines. Ximines shined as a freshman registering 32 total tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, and 5 sacks. Ricks led the Monarchs and C-USA in 2015 with 123 total tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, 1 interception, and 1 forced fumble.
Corners Aaron Young and Brandon Addison return to a decent secondary. Young recorded 59 total tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks while Addison had 38 total tackles and 1 tackle for loss.
Although defense returns much of the starting line, the Monarchs were pretty weak last season and were not able to alleviate any pressure off of their offense. Both the run defense and passing defense were ineffective. They may be a year older, but will they be a year better? The Monarchs have the key individual players, but uncertainty surrounds the collective whole.
Third time's the charm?
2016 could serve as a post-tenure review for Wilder and offensive coordinator Brian Scott. There is a lot at stake for the 8th year coaches. An underwhelming season could have die-hard fans demanding change from somewhere. A good season and we could see Wilder and Scott's name tossed around with some coaching openings at struggling Power Five schools.
Could the Monarchs third year in FBS be the charm? I would say there is a 50/50 chance.
Schedule & Projected Record
Sept 3. Hampton
Sept 10. @ Appalachian State
Sept 17 @ NC State
Sept 24. UTSA
Oct 1. @ Charlotte
Oct 8. UMass
Oct 22. @ WKU
Oct 29. @ UTEP
Nov 5. Marshall
Nov 12. Southern Miss.
Nov 19. @ FAU
Nov 26. FIU
Prediction: 5-7 with wins over Hampton, Charlotte, UMass, UTEP, and FAU.
