Hampton vs. ODU Prediction, Game Preview
Hampton vs. ODU prediction and game preview for the season-opener between the Pirates and the Monarchs. Hampton vs. ODU Prediction Broadcast Info Date:
Hampton vs. ODU prediction and game preview for the season-opener between the Pirates and the Monarchs.
Hampton vs. ODU Prediction
Broadcast Info
Date: Saturday, Sept. 3, 2016
Kickoff: 6:00 p.m. ET
Venue: S.B. Ballard Stadium, Norfolk, VA
Hampton vs. ODU Storylines
The Monarchs enter their third season in C-USA coming off of a disappointing 5-7 campaign, although they were playing for bowl eligibility in the season’s final game. However, ODU blew a 21-point first-half lead and fell to FAU at home. The good news is that the team returns a plethora of starters, including running back Ray Lawry, who led C-USA in rushing.
Meanwhile, MEAC member Hampton has some nice firepower returning on offense, led by quarterback Jaylian Williamson and receiver Twarn Mixson. Head coach Connell Maynor’s Pirates need to play better up front on both sides of the ball, however.
Matchup to Watch
ODU run game vs. Hampton front even
The Monarchs are shifting away from a fast-paced, up-tempo offense to a more methodical approach under Bobby Wilder, who last year had a losing record for the first time in his seven years as the program’s head coach. ODU will look to establish the run early with the trio of Ray Lawry, Jeremy Cox and Gemonta Jackson. We’ll see some option as well, so opposing defenses will be guessing facing this new offense, especially early in the season. Hampton has some issues up front on both sides of the ball, so the Monarchs may be able to move the ball on the ground with ease.
Advantages
Offense: ODU. It’s a new-look offense, but the focus on the run plus the skills of dynamic receiver Zach Pascal, who had 608 receiving yards over the final five games of last season, should make this a productive unit.
Defense: ODU. A lot of starters are back from last year’s unit, but the Monarchs do have to be more competitive and stout defensively against upper-tier C-USA competition.
Special Teams: Hampton. The Monarchs had one of the worst special teams efficiency rankings in the FBS last fall.
Coaching: ODU. Wilder is still getting the program to adjust to the FBS level, and he should get back to over the .500 mark sooner rather than later. His career mark is a stellar 57-27.
Intangibles: ODU. The Monarchs know they need this win with tough back-to-back road tests coming up.
Hampton vs. ODU Betting Odds
Spread: ODU -26.5
Over/Under: NA
Hampton vs. ODU Prediction
The Monarchs will look different on offense but be very efficient, while the defense should be able to handle the Hampton offensive attack fairly easily. ODU starts the new campaign with a win.
Final Score Prediction For Hampton vs. ODU: Old Dominion 37, Hampton 16
