Old Dominion Monarchs
Colonial
One of the best stories in FCS football is happening in Norfolk, Virginia. This is just the third year football has been played at Old Dominion, at least since 1940. Their first year back on the gridiron, in 2009, ODU had a light schedule and did quite well. The same was true in 2010. But in 2011 many expected the Monarchs to struggle during their first year in the Colonial Athletic Association. But obviously that has not been the case since ODU is in the playoffs. Coach Bobby Wilder has done a superb job building this program in a short amount of time and having them ready to compete in the CAA. This conference may lack a superpower this season, but they are the deepest league in the nation and every win is a quality win.
2011 Record: 9-2, 6-2
Last Playoff Appearance: none
Coach: Bobby Wilder (26-11 at Old Dominion, 26-11 overall)
Big Wins: 10/29 James Madison (23-20), 11/12 at William & Mary (35-31)
Bad Losses: 9/24 at Delaware (17-27), 10/15 Towson (35-39)
Strengths:
It is the ODU offense that has won games. This is a team that put up 48 points against Massachusetts, 35 points against Towson, 37 points against Villanova, 42 points against Richmond and 35 again against William & Mary. Few teams have found a way to stop this offense. Quarterback Taylor Heinicke has led the balanced attack for much of the season. Heinicke is just a freshman, but he has played like a senior, making smart plays and accurate passes. The Monarchs have a slew of weapons for Heinicke to utilize. Larry Pinkard has emerged as the big play receiver and it seems like every time he catches the ball he ends up in the end zone. Nick Mayers, Reid Evans and Antonio Vaughan are all quality pass catchers. Old Dominion will not put a lot of pressure on their freshman quarterback with the talent they have in the backfield. Colby Goodwyn and Angus Harper will not put up huge numbers individually, but they get the offense moving on the ground and open up the passing game for Heinicke and the receivers.
Weaknesses:
Despite scoring all those points, Old Dominion will still lose games. They allowed Hampton to score 42 points, Umass to score 33 and Towson to score 39. The rush defense is not too bad and linebacker Craig Wilkins is one of the best in the conference. The front line does a good job of stuffing the run and getting pressure on the opposing quarterback. Defensive tackle Ronnie Cameron spends a lot of time causing havoc in the backfield. This defense is full of players like Alex Arain, Chris Burnette, Chad King, Edmon McClam and Erik Saylor who are always a threat to get into the backfield. However, when the opposition has enough time to throw the ball, they can usually get a pretty good chunk of yardage. The secondary is the one spot where the tougher competition has come back to haunt ODU. The better quarterbacks in the CAA and the better quarterbacks they are bound to see in the playoffs have caused some problems.
Statistical Leaders:
Rushing: Angus Harper, RB, 569 yards
Passing: Taylor Heinicke, QB, 1,770 yards
Receiving: Nick Mayers, WR, 593 yards
Tackles: Craig Wilkins, LB, 101
Sacks: Ronnie Cameron, DT, 6.5
Interceptions: Eriq Lewis, CB, 4
2011 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 170.82 (36th in nation, 3rd in conference)
Passing Offense: 262.36 (22, 2)
Total Offense: 433.18 (16, 3)
Scoring Offense: 35.82 (9, 1)
Rushing Defense: 122.55 (21, 2)
Pass Defense: 241.64 (104, 10)
Total Defense: 364.18 (64, 7)
Scoring Defense: 26.18 (58, 6)
Turnover Margin: .91 (16, 1)
Sacks: 3.09 (10, 2)
Sacks Allowed:1.64 (T-38, 1)
