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By Rich Radford
The Virginian-Pilot
© October 13, 2009
NORFOLK

Old Dominion leads the Football Championship Subdivision in total takeaways halfway through the season.

The Monarchs, who improved to 4-2 with a 34-16 victory Saturday over Presbyterian College, have created 23 turnovers and committed only nine. That plus-14 for the season works out to plus-2.33 per game. Only New Hampshire has a better ratio at 2.6 per game. New Hampshire is tied with Arkansas-Pine Bluff for No. 2 in takeaways with 19.

"For a team that is six games old to have that kind of success in turnover ratio is unheard of," ODU coach Bobby Wilder said. "But we really work on both protecting the ball on offense and ripping and stripping the ball when on defense. Our first five minutes of practice every day involves drills that are designed to make us better in both aspects."

ODU is third in the FCS in interceptions with 11. Only Pine Bluff (13) and Bucknell (12) have more. Safeties Devon Simmons and Craig Wilkins each have three interceptions to lead ODU.

Impressive

If I remember correctly, its kept us in numerous games this season. It gave us chances to win against Monmouth, Fordham, and helped us on the road at Jacksonville. Because of our ability to force TO's, we're only a few plays away from being 6-0

Let me just say that I dig your teams stadium. For that size it's gotta be one of the best in the nation. I also like your uniforms, and going 4-2 in your inaugural season is great. However let's not get too carried away. i.e stating that your beginning a dynasty. I'm sorry but you lost to Monmouth and Fordham, and beat Virginia Union, Jacksonville, Chowan, and Presbyterian. A great start to the season which i hope goes well for your team, but until you beat someone of consequence or even make the playoffs I wouldn't get too far ahead of yourselves. Good luck the rest of the season!



BY the way who the fu$% is Chowan?

of course I know we beat some lousy competition and lost to Fordham and Monmouth but can i still put it just for the fun of it? IMO, Monmouth and Fordham did have some good talent. We faced a great running back one week (#3 rusher in the Nation), and then a great QB with NFL-type potential the week after (#5 passer in the nation). Anyway you wishing us luck is much appreciated.

Btw. I think thats what most ODU fans were saying before AND after the chown game. If you really are wondering they are a D-2 team from Murfreesboro, North Carolina that plays in the CIAA....if I remember correctly.

Presby guy is clearly down.

Skjellyfetti wrote:Presby guy is clearly down.

Damn! Our secret's out; we cheat.