Old Dominion vs. FAU Prediction, Game Preview


Old Dominion vs. FAU prediction and game preview. Projecting who wins between the Monarchs and Owls on Saturday in Boca Raton, FL.


Old Dominion vs. FAU Game Preview

When: Saturday, Nov. 19 – 6:00 p.m. ET
Where: FAU Football Stadium, Boca Raton, FL
TV Broadcast: Campus Insiders

The Monarchs (7-3, 5-1 Conference USA) took advantage of five Southern Miss turnovers last week and David Washington threw for two touchdowns in a 51-35 win. Washington had 144 yards through the air, while Jeremy Cox and Ray Lawry ran for two scores apiece. ODU was able to get out to a fast start by turning two fumbles by Keon Howard on the Golden Eagles’ first two drives into touchdowns.

Meanwhile, Jason Driskel drove the Owls (3-7, 2-4) 96 yards late in the fourth quarter to help them notch a 35-31 come-from-behind win over UTEP last Saturday night. Driskel completed 20 of 25 passes for 233 yards, while Devin Singletary rushed for 145 yards and two scores for FAU.

In last year’s meeting between these teams in Norfolk, Greg Joseph hit two fourth-quarter field goals to help FAU rally for a 33-31 win. The Owls had built a 24-3 lead before halftime, but the game slipped away a bit before they recovered for the victory.

What To Know About Old Dominion

One week after the Monarchs easily took care of business over Marshall at home, 38-14, in a strong performance on both sides of the ball, Bobby Wilder’s squad followed it up with another solid effort in a win over the Golden Eagles for its sixth win in its last seven games. Washington continues to play like a veteran, throwing 21 touchdowns to just three interceptions, while Cox and Lawry are providing the productivity on the ground. It’s a balanced offense, but the defense is prone to give up its share of yards through the air. Can Driskel take advantage of that secondary this week? It’s a middle-of-the-pack defense, but through the air is the best way to move the ball against this unit.

What to Know About FAU

With his team trailing 31-28 with 2:45 remaining last Saturday, Driskel drove the Owls to UTEP’s 7-yard line with 25 seconds left before finding Nate Terry, who made a one-handed catch, in the end zone for the winning score. It was the second win in a row for the Owls after going through a brutal seven-game losing streak. And it was a feisty come-from-behind win, which is even more special for Charlie Partridge’s squad. The Owls have endured a rough year, and they hadn’t been getting much offensively out of anyone else besides Singletary and Gregory Howell Jr. before Driskel started playing better. FAU is now looking to finish the season on a high note.

Advantages

Offense: Old Dominion. The Monarchs have the slight edge, but FAU has fielded a much more effective unit than it had been the last few weeks.

Defense: Old Dominion. The Owls are giving up 478.6 yards per game.

Special Teams: Old Dominion. The Monarchs have better special teams depth this fall, which has benefited their punt and kickoff return units.

Coaching: Old Dominion. Wilder is doing a very good job this season as his team continues to get more and more comfortable as a member of the FBS.

Intangibles: Even. Both teams are playing their best football at the right time.

Matchup To Watch

Driskel vs. Old Dominion secondary

Driskel has thrown for 550 yards and three touchdowns against one interception in his last two games, both of which have been wins. He needs to continue to play his best football of the season, especially because the ODU pass defense is nothing special. It’s a winnable home game for the Owls despite being underdogs. But Driskel has to play very well.

Betting Odds

Spread: Old Dominion -8.5
Over/Under: 63

Old Dominion vs. FAU Prediction

The Monarchs have won three in a row and are being carried by a nice core of veteran offensive playmakers. That continues this week with a road win in Boca, which would keep the Monarchs with just one league loss.

Old Dominion vs. FAU Score Prediction: Old Dominion 37, FAU 23

MORE: 1-128 College Football Rankings – Week 12