Will Old Dominion Football Make a Bowl Game This Season?
As I sit down to analyze Old Dominion’s prospects for making a bowl game this season, I can’t help but reflect on the mindset that drives athletes and teams after a tough stretch. I remember reading a quote from RHJ of the Tropang Giga, who said after a hard-fought victory, "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 sentiment resonates deeply with me, especially when looking at ODU football. Last season, the Monarchs finished with a 6-6 record, narrowly missing bowl eligibility in a couple of heartbreaking finishes. Now, as we approach the new season, I’m genuinely curious—and cautiously optimistic—about whether they can channel that same motivational energy to push past the barriers and secure a bowl bid.
Looking at their schedule, ODU faces some formidable opponents, but I see a path forward if they capitalize on key matchups. The Monarchs return around 15 starters, including 8 on offense, which gives them a solid foundation. Their quarterback, who threw for roughly 2,800 yards and 18 touchdowns last year, needs to cut down on interceptions—he had 12 last season, and in close games, those turnovers were killers. Defensively, they allowed an average of 28 points per game, which isn’t terrible, but it’s not going to win you many shootouts in the Sun Belt. I’ve always believed that defense wins championships, or at least bowl invitations, so if ODU can tighten up there and force a few more turnovers, they’ll be in a much better position. Personally, I think their non-conference slate includes a couple of winnable games, like the one against Virginia Tech, where a surprise upset could set the tone early. If they can snag 3 wins out of their first 5 games, the momentum could carry them through the tougher conference play.
Of course, motivation is key, and that’s where RHJ’s words hit home for me. In my years covering college sports, I’ve seen how a chip on the shoulder can transform a team. ODU’s players and coaches have to embrace that underdog mentality—use last season’s near-misses as fuel, just like RHJ did after a disappointing conference run. I recall talking to a few ODU insiders who mentioned the team’s offseason workouts were more intense, with players focusing on mental toughness. That’s a good sign, but it has to translate to the field. Statistically, ODU’s offense averaged 24 points per game last year, and if they can bump that up to, say, 30 points, while shaving a few off that defensive average, I’d give them a 65% chance at reaching 6 wins and bowl eligibility. It’s not a slam dunk, but it’s doable.
In the end, whether ODU makes a bowl game boils down to execution and that intangible drive. I’m leaning toward yes, partly because I’ve always had a soft spot for teams that bounce back, and partly because the pieces are there if they mesh well. They’ll need to win those toss-up games—maybe pull off an upset or two—and stay healthy, which is never a given. If they can harness that motivation RHJ talked about, turning past setbacks into fire, I believe they’ll be celebrating come December. So, as a fan and analyst, I’m putting my bet on the Monarchs to edge into a bowl this season, and I can’t wait to see if they prove me right.
