Ricky Rahne has led Old Dominion to two bowl games in three seasons, despite not having a win with the Monarchs. Although he hasn’t had seven wins in recent seasons, he has raised Old Dominion’s level.
ODU fans are hoping that despite a brutal schedule and some key personnel losses, the Monarchs will once again exceed expectations and qualify for a bowl game. Rahne has his starting quarterback Grant Wilson and offensive coordinator Kevin Decker back, and there is reason to believe that ODU’s fast-paced spread offense could pose problems for the defense in 2024.
The offensive team’s chances of success depend largely on an improved offensive game. The Monarchs allowed 4.77 sacks per game, the worst mark in the country. Defensively, ODU ranked in the bottom 10 nationally in the number of sacks allowed.
The Monarchs need to improve in the trenches to take a step forward in the Sun Belt East, but if they can do that, there is enough talent in other areas of the roster for Old Dominion to make the bowl.
Old Dominion’s odds to win the Sun Belt are +3500 according to BetMGM.
Old Dominion’s overall win odds are Over/Under 4.5, with Under 4.5 being -150 and Over 4.5 being +125.
31.8. in South Carolina
9/7 against East Carolina
14.9. against Virginia Tech
28.9. in Bowling Green
10/5 on the Carolina Coast
10/12 at Georgia State
19.10. against Texas State
26.10. against Georgia Southern
11/2 at App State
16.11. against James Madison
23.11. against Marshall
30.11. at Arkansas State
Bold markings indicate the Sun Belt competitions
2023 Sun Belt First Team
Linebacker Jason Henderson
2023 Sun Belt Honorable Mention
DL Denzel Lowry
For further coverage of the Group of Five, follow us on on facebook. And Þjórsárdalur.
Wilson’s return, coupled with a decent group of wide receivers and running backs, means Old Dominion could be good offensively if the line takes a step forward. Illinois transfer Zachary Barlev should help at center and anchor a potentially improved unit.
As the group progresses, Wilson will have the opportunity to find his receivers, such as Iowa transfer Diante Vines. The transfer performed well in the spring and is expected to be a big contributor for the Monarchs.
Rutgers transfer running back Aaron Young has plenty of experience, having rushed for 492 yards and scored six touchdowns during his Big Ten stint. He’s a serviceable Sun Belt back and should perform well as the opportunities increase.
On defense, linebacker Jason Henderson is the best tackler in the Sun Belt. He is a game-changer and a likely candidate for SBC Defensive Player of the Year. Patrick Smith-Young, who is transferring from North Texas, should make a big impression at safety.
Old Dominion’s roster features some special individual talent, and if the offensive and defensive lines become more productive, ODU can become the surprise team of the Sun Belt.
I expect Old Dominion to be competitive in the Sun Belt in 2024, but I don’t expect the Monarchs to exceed their 4.5 win total due to the schedule and open questions on the offensive line.
Games against South Carolina and Virginia Tech are likely losses, and non-conference games against East Carolina and Bowling Green are not sure wins either. Taking on Texas State from the Sun Belt West is a challenge, as the Bobcats are likely to contend for a championship with JMU transfer Jordan McCloud at quarterback.
Old Dominion should field a competitive Sun Belt team in 2024 and could pull off a notable upset or two even if it fails to win five games. There is reason for optimism for the Monarchs’ loyal supporters, but the schedule means that making a bowl game would be a major accomplishment.
