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Published Oct 19, 2018
Predictions: Old Dominion at WKU
IHS
Staff

Hannah Page, Staff: Old Dominion 28 - WKU 17

WKU heads into Saturday as a five point favorite over ODU: much to the surprise of many. Between the Maine, Louisville, and Marshall matchups, WKU only lost by a combined nine points (three points per game). The lack of continuity at quarterback, an erratic ground attack, a young o-line making mistakes, and an uncharacteristically dismal and tired defensive performance led to a loss at Charlotte…after being a nine point favorite entering the game…and after a bye-week. Now, the Hilltoppers face the Old Dominion Monarchs (1-6) whose only win/upset was over #10 Virginia Tech. Afterward, the Monarchs fell to East Carolina, FAU, and Marshall. As you may have read before, this will very much be a “WKU’s defense” vs. “ODU’s offense.”

There is a potential Drew Eckels return, but it is still same story, different week. The Hilltopper offense needs consistency, the redzone scoring must improve, the run game has to emerge, the offensive line has to protect and create more lanes, etc. If little changes, the outcome will likely be the same as previous weeks. WKU’s defense will have their hands full with, both, ODU’s air and ground attacks. Quarterback Blake LaRussa has 1,614 passing yards, 7.72 yards per pass attempt, 63.6% completion rate, 11 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions. His go-to wideout Jonathan Duhart has posted 737 receiving yards, 15.7 yards per reception, and 6 touchdowns. Seasoned senior running back Jeremy Cox has accumulated 323 rushing yards, 4.0 yards per carry, and 3 touchdowns. Junior Kesean Strong is another solid/emerging back with 189 rushing yards, 3.9 yards per carry, and 5 touchdowns. Like Ryan said, unfortunately, I do not think this is the week that the Hilltoppers hone their play.

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Ryan Dearbone, Staff: Old Dominion 34 - WKU 17

If you look at this on paper, WKU has a pretty good chance to win as ODU comes into this game 1-6. However, keep in mind that this is an Old Dominion team that took down a No. 10 Virginia Tech squad just a few weeks back. WKU will still have its work cut out for it. WKU's defense will be tested again with the well-rounded offense of the Monarchs. Quarterback Blake LaRussa is slinging around the ball to his top-tier wide receiving corps at will, which will be a problem for WKU. The Monarchs can also run the ball. The Tops will see a steady diet of Desean Strong and Jeremy Cox. This means the defense probably won't see a lot of three-and-outs. The fatigue of being on the field so long last week at Charlotte was a contributing factor to that shocking loss. The Tops will have to wrap up better and force the Monarchs off of the field in short order, in order to have a chance in this contest.

Offense has been as elusive for WKU lately as the winning lottery numbers for Powerball and Mega Millions. The lack of consistency at quarterback is finally showing its ugly side. Eckels seems to be back in the mix, which puts him in the four-person stew along with Shanley, Duncan and Thomas. Whoever gets the nods on Saturday will have to get the Tops going early or else a change needs to be made quickly. WKU will need to push for a run game this week. The Tops are only averaging just over 100 yards in rushing. That just won't do when your air game gets snuffed out.

I just don't know if WKU can figure it out and make the needed adjustments on the fly to win the game. Sorry Topper Nation!

Sean Williams, Publisher: WKU 33 - Old Dominion 31

Let's face it, a matchup of one-win teams isn't up on the marquee of crucial Conference-USA showdowns this weekend and the stands at Houchens-Smith Stadium on Saturday night will likely prove that point. However, this battle of desperate teams could end up being quite entertaining when it's all said and done.

The Monarchs' defense is dead-last in Conference-USA, giving up 521.6 yards per game. So, there will be opportunities there for the Hilltoppers to get their offense going again and put some points on the board and perhaps get over the nightmare that was last weekend's loss to Charlotte. Of course, with a revolving door of four quarterbacks for WKU, it will be important to find one with the hot hand early and establish momentum.

Someone is going to get their second win, might as well be the home team.

Shane Bearden, Staff: Old Dominion 34 - WKU 28

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