Head Coach: Bobby Wilder
2017 Record: 5-7
Conference: C-USA
After the most successful year in ODU history, the Monarchs took a step back in 2017 finishing 5-7 and 6th in the C-USA. That marks their worst finish since moving to the FBS level in 2014. We'll make one little note though. The Monarchs were led by the youngest QB in FBS, 17 year old Steven Williams. Despite the losing record and 115th FBS ranking in offense, Steven Williams returns as an experienced...18 year old.
Key Losses from 2017:
Ray Lawry - RB
Despite only playing 9 games in 2017, Lawry finished his career as the all-time FBS leader in rushing yards in the state of Virginia. In ODU's 9 year history, Lawry holds the top 3 single-season rushing yardage totals. Even though Lawry went undrafted, he signed as a free agent with the Cincinnati Bengals. His presence in the backfield as a rusher and as a blocker will be greatly missed on the Monarch sideline throughout 2018.
Melvin Vaughn - TE/WR
After spending his first three seasons as a TE, Vaughn trimmed down throughout last year's off-season and transitioned to a WR. Even though he was injured for the first four games of 2017, he still finished with 33 receptions for 354 yards and 4 TD's. What head coach Bobby Wilder will miss most, is his consistency. Only one time throughout last season did Melvin finish with less than 3 receptions, and even in that game he had 2 TD's.
Rob Thompson - Safety
Thompson probably could have played just about any position for the Monarchs. At 6'1" and 189 lbs, Thompson's athleticism posed equal threats to passing and rushing attacks. He finished his senior season with 45 tackles, 2 INT's, 3 pass breakups, and 5 pass deflections. His presence will be missed on a defense that ranked 64th nationally, in the red-zone.
Key returnees from 2017:
Steven Williams - QB
While expectations will remain relatively low for the 18 year old quarterback, we do expect much improvement in year 2. Often times with dual threat QB's, their best year is in year one or two. Once defensive coordinators get film and understand how to attack a dual-threat QB, production can drop. All of that said, the only issue with Williams in 2017 were the interceptions (11). If he can limit the turnovers, and raise his completion percentage, he could very well be one of the most dangerous weapons in the C-USA.
Oshane Ximines - DE
Let us be perfectly clear, these previews are not to build hype for particular teams but to provide fans outlooks on their favorite programs. That said, I don't know that there is a more valuable player in the state than Oshane Ximines. His 2017 season was so impressive, he attracted NFL scouts and is now projected by some as late draft pick. Last year, Oshane racked up 8.5 sacks (7 were solo sacks), 14 tackles for a loss, 4 forced fumbles, and 3 pass deflections. It's clear at this point that Oshane Ximines is becoming the player ODU needs, in order to contend the C-USA championship.
Isaiah Harper - WR
With Jonathan Duhart and Travis Fulgham returning, the ODU receiving core may be one of the best in the state. The most important piece though is none other than 5'9" Isaiah Harper. His speed and elusiveness makes him a deep threat for the Monarchs and his contributions on special teams last year landed him C-USA specialist of the year award. While he certainly provides value as a deep threat, Wilder is certainly not shy about using screen passes. And with such a young QB, that may be a way to generate quick completions and easy yards.
2018 Schedule:
September 1, @ Liberty
September 8, vs Florida International
September 15, @ Charlotte
September 22, vs Virginia Tech
September 29, @ ECU
October 6, @ Florida Atlantic
October 13, vs Marshall
October 20, @ Western Kentucky
October 27, vs Middle Tennessee State
November 10, vs North Texas
November 17, vs VMI
November 24, @ Rice
Part of ODU's struggles in 2017 were as much external as they were internal. 9 C-USA teams finished with winning records last year. ODU will face five of those squads this year (FIU, FAU, Marshall, MTSU and North Texas). That set of five games doesn't include Western Kentucky, who finished 6-7 and is expected to vastly improve this year. Not to mention, potentially the biggest game in ODU history on September 22nd (Virginia Tech), presents a massive challenge. While we anticipate much improvement from Bobby Wilder's squad this fall, the results may not be as evident on the W/L record due the difficulty of this schedule.
Offensive Outlook:
It's never easy losing a star tailback like Ray Lawry, but on the other hand, it's also not easy to win many games with a 17 year old behind center. Even though Lawry has graduated, Jeremy Cox is a freakish athlete and has put the Monarchs on his shoulders before. So, the rushing attack should still be very viable. Jonathan Duhart (WR) returns from injury and will force opposing defenses to cover three solid receivers. After finishing 2017 in a tie for 113th in FBS offense, the Monarchs should see much improvement this year.
Defensive Outlook:
Last year, the Monarchs defense allowed 30+ points on eight different occasions. Suffice to say, that just can't happen this season if ODU fans want a bowl. They do return six starters from last year's campaign, and one I would categorize as one of the best pass-rushers in the game (see above). So, there certainly is hope. Not to mention, ODU has one of the most experienced front-sevens in the country. One player we're going to keep an eye on is LB Jordan Young. As a freshman, Young had 85 tackles, 4 for a loss, and 3 pass deflections. His ability to influence both the passing and running game will play a key to a turn around season.
Prediction:
One of the things we love about Bobby Wilder is that his teams are rarely penalized. Last year, ODU ranked 5th in the country in penalties, and that was with one of the youngest teams in all of FBS. They will force teams like Virginia Tech and Florida Atlantic to be disciplined and will take advantage when given the opportunity. The depth of this WR core will not only provide Steven Williams with passing options, but it will also force teams to move safeties in the pass-coverage and really open up this RPO offense. All of that said, the strength of this schedule will be a major factor in the Monarchs' 2018 outcome.
Breakdown:
September 1, @ Liberty - Win
September 8, vs Florida International - Win
September 15, @ Charlotte - Win
September 22, vs Virginia Tech - Loss
September 29, @ ECU - Win
October 6, @ Florida Atlantic - Loss
October 13, vs Marshall - Loss
October 20, @ Western Kentucky - Loss
October 27, vs Middle Tennessee State - Win
November 10, vs North Texas - Loss
November 17, vs VMI - Win
November 24, @ Rice - Win
Record: 7-5
