This matchup is closer than I originally thought it would be (NSU has a more competent passing attack than you usually see coming out of the MEAC), but the Monarchs will win due to a more consistent offense & superior special teams.
Here's my assessment of the matchups & my pick for the game:
Both teams are very similar in that we both have good spread offenses, good run defenses, but bad secondaries. However, the MEAC wasn't a good passing league this season, so NSU's D hasn't seen as good of a throwing game since they played West Virginia. Add that to the fact that their secondary struggled against mediocre pass offenses and I like ODU's chance to win. That said, NSU still has a good quarterback and receivers, plus they'll be more fired up for this game than any other I think, so they'll definitely put up points against ODU's weak secondary. In the end though, I think the Monarchs win by about 14, maybe something like 45-31.
ps. ODU prides itself in great special teams play and has one of the best in the country, so it'll definitely be playing a major role in this one. NSU better be prepared and disciplined on special teams or they're gonna get burned.
If there's an edge for ODU at QB it's razor thin. Walley was MEAC POY, and completed 69.2% of his passes with 17 TDs and 4 INTs, and netted 276 yards rushing with 5 TDs. I'd call it a push at RB as well. Almost identical stat lines for the rushing games, and runners.
Tribe4SF wrote:If there's an edge for ODU at QB it's razor thin. Walley was MEAC POY, and completed 69.2% of his passes with 17 TDs and 4 INTs, and netted 276 yards rushing with 5 TDs. I'd call it a push at RB as well. Almost identical stat lines for the rushing games, and runners.
Tribe4SF wrote:If there's an edge for ODU at QB it's razor thin. Walley was MEAC POY, and completed 69.2% of his passes with 17 TDs and 4 INTs, and netted 276 yards rushing with 5 TDs. I'd call it a push at RB as well. Almost identical stat lines for the rushing games, and runners.
Does anyone know if NSU has played a no-huddle offense yet? This might be the quickest game NSU's defense has to play in that ODU's offense tries to get every snap off in ~15-18 seconds between plays (not when the ball is set).
∞∞∞ wrote:Does anyone know if NSU has played a no-huddle offense yet? This might be the quickest game NSU's defense has to play in that ODU's offense tries to get every snap off in ~15-18 seconds between plays (not when the ball is set).
I thought I remember reading or hearing somewhere that every team within the MEAC plays at least some form of the no-huddle offense....but I don't remember seeing Hampton play a no-huddle offense....I don't know, I could be wrong.
Tribe4SF wrote:If there's an edge for ODU at QB it's razor thin. Walley was MEAC POY, and completed 69.2% of his passes with 17 TDs and 4 INTs, and netted 276 yards rushing with 5 TDs. I'd call it a push at RB as well. Almost identical stat lines for the rushing games, and runners.
Walley has good numbers, but Heinicke's are really good.
Tribe4SF wrote:Not sure about the OL edge either. NSU only gave up 13 sacks this year.
Norfolk's pass protection numbers are a little better, but ODU had higher ypc numbers from their running game. I gave it to ODU because they played tougher opponents.
...each team appears to have taken on the personality of its head coach. Old Dominion is sleek and fast, like the smooth-talking Wilder. Norfolk State is physical and defense-oriented, like Adrian, whose two NFL players at Norfolk State have been defensive backs...
...With the differences in the programs, it's hard to find common ground. But there's one thing the coaches, players, schools, fans and anyone else involved with the game will certainly agree on.
"This game," Adrian said, "can't get here fast enough."
"This struggle may be a moral one, or it may be a physical one, and it may be both moral and physical, but it must be a struggle. Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will.
... We must do this by labor, by suffering, by sacrifice, and if needs be, by our lives and the lives of others."
I truly believe this game will be a lot closer than most people think. ODU is still a 3rd year program that should take nobody lightly.
For a 3rd year program vs. a 82-year program, ODU has all the pressure on them to win this game. They are currently the flagship program in the Hampton Roads area. They are the program with the bigger fanbase, bigger donor base, nicer facilities, bigger student enrollment, bigger and better everything. And you can tell NSU fans and even the players are sick of all the attention ODU recieves. NSU would love nothing better than to take over Foreman Field tomorrow. ODU better be careful in this one and bring their 'A' game.
70 degrees, no clouds, slight ocean breeze, and a packed house for a single-elimination game between two schools seperated by 4 miles. I hope y'all watch this one 'cause it's gonna be a helluva awesome game.
What's the deal with henfan? have some of the trolls turned him against other CAA teams? admittedly, I'm new here but I guess I don't know the whole story with this blind discontent for ODU. If UD had a hated rival like we do with VCU (all sports) I could see it, but maybe a troll rubbed things the wrong way. It's just silly for anyone in the CAA to root for a MEAC school knowing a loss would make the entire league look bad.
