Charlotte vs. Old Dominion Prediction, Game Preview
Charlotte vs. Old Dominion prediction and game preview. Projecting who wins between the 49ers and Monarchs.
Charlotte vs. Old Dominion prediction and game preview. Projecting who wins between the 49ers and Monarchs.
Charlotte vs. Old Dominion Game Preview
When: Saturday, Oct. 1 – 6:00 p.m. ET
Where: McColl-Richardson Field, Charlotte, NC
TV Broadcast: N/A
The 49ers (1-3, 0-0 Conference USA) are coming off of a road loss to Temple, which scored 28 points in the second quarter to easily dispatch them 48-20 after jumping out to a 31-7 halftime lead. 49ers quarterback Kevin Olsen has struggled with his accuracy, so it will be interesting to see if sophomore backup Hasaan Klugh eventually gets the starting nod. He’s a dual-threat who seemed to give the 49ers a spark in the loss to Eastern Michigan.
The Monarchs (2-2, 1-0), meanwhile, had dropped back-to-back games after a season-opening win over Hampton, but the program that launched in 2009 put together a strong effort last week in a 33-19 win over Texas-San Antonio in the C-USA opener for both teams. David Washington threw for 207 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for 69 yards and another score in the win.
What To Know About Charlotte
One of the few bright spots for Charlotte this year has been Kalif Phillips, who had 114 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries against the Owls. It was his 12th 100-yard game of his career, and his 66-yard scoring run was the fourth-longest touchdown run in the school’s short history. With questions under center, the Charlotte offense needs to rely on Phillips and the rushing attack.
What to Know About Old Dominion
In the win over UTSA last week, Jeremy Cox had a career-high 103 rushing yards and two touchdowns, while Jonathan Duhart had six catches for 86 yards and two scores. The effort by Cox was big because Ray Lawry, who rushed for 1,136 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2015, had just 14 yards against NC State and only had 42 yards on nine carries last week. We’ll see if he can get back on track because Washington needs all of the help he can get. Washington needs to be efficient and consistent, which he was last week but was not against Appalachian State.
Advantages
Offense: Old Dominion. 49ers quarterback Kevin Olsen has been subpar in the team’s three losses. His performance in Charlotte’s lone win over Elon was his best of the season.
Defense: Old Dominion. There are few offenses that the 49ers’ defense can contain.
Special Teams: Old Dominion. Charlotte has one of the poorer special teams efficiency ratings in the FBS.
Coaching: Old Dominion. Bobby Wilder has been the head coach at the school since its FCS days. The program launched in 2009.
Intangibles: Old Dominion. The Monarchs know that a 2-0 start in C-USA is there for the taking, so they will be ready to take advantage of the opportunity.
Matchup To Watch
Charlotte rushing attack vs. ODU rushing defense
Phillips led a 49ers ground attack against Temple that helped the team finish with its second-highest rushing output of the season with 231 yards. The Monarchs are ranked No. 103 in the FBS in rushing defense at 203.3 yards per game, so the 49ers will want to shorten the game and keep the ball primarily on the ground while also taking shots down the field to keep the ODU defense honest.
Charlotte vs. Old Dominion Betting Odds
Spread: Old Dominion -9
Over/Under: 58
Charlotte vs. Old Dominion Prediction
The Monarchs will gain the Conference USA East division win behind a balanced offensive attack and just enough defense. Charlotte will continue to struggle as it adapts to FBS life.
Charlotte vs. Old Dominion Score Prediction: Old Dominion 33, Charlotte 19
