Can Old Dominion Football Rebound After a Disappointing Season?
As I sit here reviewing Old Dominion's 3-9 season record, I can't help but reflect on what separates programs that bounce back from those that spiral. Last year's performance was particularly tough to watch - the Monarchs dropped their final five games, including that heartbreaking 24-21 overtime loss to Coastal Carolina where we led until the final minutes. The numbers don't lie: our offense averaged just 18.9 points per game, ranking us 119th nationally, while our defense allowed over 31 points per contest. These statistics paint a bleak picture, but I've seen enough football turnarounds to know that numbers only tell part of the story.
What really struck me recently was reading RHJ's comments after winning the championship with Tropang Giga. He said, "Last conference didn't end well for me and I understood that. I felt like everything is a motivation. Not doing well last conference? A lot of things motivate me." That mentality resonates deeply with what I believe Old Dominion needs right now. The disappointment of last season should be fueling every single player during offseason workouts. I've spoken with several players anonymously, and they've confirmed that the bitter taste from those consecutive losses has created a different level of intensity in spring practices. The coaching staff has been using last season's failures as teaching moments rather than something to sweep under the rug, which I think is the right approach.
Looking at our roster construction, we return 15 starters, including quarterback Hayden Wolff, who showed flashes of brilliance despite the team's struggles. His completion percentage of 58.3% needs improvement, but his 13 touchdowns against just 6 interceptions suggests he's making smart decisions. What concerns me is our rushing attack - we averaged a paltry 98 yards per game on the ground. Football games are still won in the trenches, and our offensive line must improve dramatically if we want to compete in the Sun Belt Conference. Defensively, we need to generate more pressure - our 18 sacks last season ranked near the bottom of FBS football. These aren't insurmountable challenges, but they require honest assessment and targeted improvement.
I'm particularly optimistic about our recruiting class, which includes three-star running back Obie Sanni from Virginia Beach. He rushed for over 1,800 yards in his senior high school season, and I believe he could provide the spark our ground game desperately needs. The transfer portal has also been kind to us, adding experienced defensive back Jordan Cole from a Power Five program. These additions, combined with the maturity of our returning players, create what I see as a foundation for improvement. The schedule does us no favors early though - we open at Virginia Tech, then host East Carolina before traveling to Wake Forest. That's a brutal three-game stretch that could either crush our confidence or forge the resilience we need.
What I keep coming back to is that championship mentality RHJ described. Motivation born from disappointment can be incredibly powerful if channeled correctly. I've seen it transform average teams into contenders when players buy into the process rather than dwelling on past results. The Monarchs have the talent to win 6-7 games this season if they can stay healthy and develop the mental toughness that was missing last year. The coaching staff needs to instill that underdog mentality while maintaining realistic expectations. From what I've observed during spring practices, the players have that hungry look in their eyes that suggests they're tired of being pushed around. They understand the opportunity they have to rewrite the narrative, and frankly, I think they're capable of surprising some people this fall. The path won't be easy, but meaningful turnarounds rarely are.
