OLD DOMINION

The Skinny

Coach: Bobby Wilder, eighth season (57-27)

2015: 5-7, 3-5 in C-USA

Offense: With productive skill players in QB David Washington, RB Ray Lawry and WRs Zach Pascal and Jonathan Duhart, the Monarchs should be able to improve on last year’s averages of 24.2 points and 371.2 yards. Return of TE Melvin Vaughn, who missed last season with an injury, gives the Monarchs more diversity. With uncertainty on the offensive line, Wilder installed a run-pass option for his quarterbacks.

Defense: Since transitioning to FBS in 2013, ODU’s defense has surrendered averages of 34, 38 and 35.8 points. Last year’s unit yielded 437.2 yards. The Monarchs are hoping experience equals improvement. LB T.J. Ricks is the centerpiece, and Wilder indicated Ricks will move around. Fellow LB Shadow Williams is back, along with linemen Rashaad Coward, Oshane Ximines and Bunmi Rotimi. Safety Justice Davila had 89 tackles.

Special teams: Sophomore Chris Kirtley took over place-kicking duties in Game 5 and was 10 of 13 on field goals, with his longest kick 45 yards. Freshman Bailey Cate likely will be the punter. Monarchs got little out of their return game last season. Pascal averaged 20.7 yards on kick returns, and 16 punt returns netted 34 yards. ODU allowed 235 yards (9.4 average) and a TD on punt returns to opponents.

Quotable: “When you look at the history of our program, we’ve always been successful. Last year was the first time we hadn’t been successful playing. We’re motivated to get back to the level of success we’ve enjoyed.” – ODU coach Bobby Wilder

Outlook: Wilder has his most experienced team since transitioning to FBS, and the conference schedule isn’t daunting. Five of ODU’s games are against teams picked to finish fourth or lower in the two divisions. The Monarchs likely need to win four of those games to be bowl eligible. Defense will need to make strides for that to happen.

Bottom line: 6-6 and bowl bid, 4th in C-USA East

ODU 2016 schedule

Date Opponent Time

Sept. 3 Hampton 6

Sept. 10 at Appalachian State 3:30

Sept. 17 at N.C. State 6

Sept. 24 Texas-San Antonio 3:30

Oct. 1 at Charlotte 6

Oct. 8 Massachusetts TBA

Oct. 22 at Western Kentucky 7

Oct. 29 at UTEP 8

Nov. 5 Marshall 7

Nov. 12 Southern Miss 3:30

Nov. 19 at Florida Atlantic 6

Nov. 26 Florida International TBA