Old Dominion Football: 5 Key Strategies for a Winning Season and Playoff Success
As I sit down to analyze Old Dominion’s football prospects this season, I can’t help but reflect on how powerful a motivator past disappointments can be. I remember hearing RHJ, the Tropang Giga star, open up after a tough conference loss, saying, "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 mindset—turning setbacks into fuel—is exactly what Old Dominion needs to embrace if they’re aiming not just for a winning season, but for playoff success. From my years covering college football, I’ve seen teams transform when they channel that kind of energy, and I believe the Monarchs have the raw talent to do it. Let’s dive into five key strategies that could make all the difference.
First off, building a resilient defense is non-negotiable. Last season, Old Dominion allowed an average of 28.5 points per game, which frankly isn’t going to cut it in the competitive C-USA landscape. I’ve always been a firm believer that defense wins championships—it’s not just a cliché. By focusing on aggressive pass-rushing schemes and improving secondary coverage, the Monarchs can force more turnovers and shut down high-scoring opponents. I’d love to see them adopt a blitz-heavy approach on third downs, something that’s worked wonders for teams like Appalachian State in recent years. It’s about creating those momentum-shifting plays that demoralize the other side and fire up your own squad.
Next up, offensive consistency is crucial, and it starts with quarterback development. Looking at last year’s stats, the Monarchs averaged just 24 points per game, which placed them in the bottom half of the conference. In my view, they need to establish a balanced attack—mixing up the run and pass to keep defenses guessing. I’m a big fan of using play-action passes early in drives; it opens up the field and builds confidence for the QB. If they can boost their red-zone efficiency from, say, 45% to over 65%, that alone could turn close losses into wins. I’ve seen how a reliable offensive line can make or break a season, so investing in experienced linemen and creative play-calling should be a top priority.
Another strategy I’m passionate about is leveraging special teams as a game-changer. Too often, teams treat this unit as an afterthought, but I’ve watched games where a clutch field goal or a well-executed punt return swung the entire outcome. Old Dominion’s kick return unit averaged about 19 yards per return last season—decent, but there’s room for improvement. By dedicating practice time to blocking schemes and return drills, they could easily add a few extra yards that translate into better field position. Personally, I think having a reliable kicker who can nail those 40-plus yard attempts under pressure is worth its weight in gold, especially in playoff scenarios where every point counts.
Team chemistry and leadership can’t be overlooked, either. RHJ’s words about motivation resonate here—when players buy into a shared vision, it elevates everyone’s performance. I’d encourage the coaching staff to foster a culture where veterans mentor younger players, creating a tight-knit group that thrives under pressure. From what I’ve observed, teams with strong locker room dynamics tend to outperform expectations, even when the odds are against them. Organizing team-building activities and emphasizing accountability in film sessions can build that trust, which is invaluable during those grueling mid-season slumps.
Lastly, strategic scheduling and in-game adjustments are vital. Old Dominion faces a tough slate this year, including matchups against Power Five opponents, but I see that as an opportunity rather than a drawback. By analyzing opponents’ tendencies and adapting quickly—like shifting to a no-huddle offense if the run game stalls—the Monarchs can stay one step ahead. I’ve always preferred coaches who aren’t afraid to take risks, such as going for it on fourth down in opponent territory; it shows confidence and can pay off big time. If they can secure at least two upset wins early on, it could set the tone for a playoff push.
Wrapping this up, I’m genuinely optimistic about Old Dominion’s chances if they implement these strategies with the same hunger RHJ described. It’s about learning from past stumbles and using that drive to excel. As a longtime follower of college football, I’ve seen underdogs rise to the occasion, and with focused effort on defense, offense, special teams, leadership, and adaptability, the Monarchs could very well turn this season into something special. Let’s see if they can turn motivation into milestones.
