Figured I would be a popular guy today as we are under the lights on a weeknight game! Apologies for last week, I probably would have slightly leaned toward Texas State but didn't have any plays.
ODU- this is a pretty good 3-4 team to be honest. The losses were South Carolina (by 4), ECU (by 6, really should have won), VT (close early but played 4th string QB), and Coastal (defense fell apart, tons of defensive starters and backups out).
Georgia Southern has been extremely impressive to me. Beat JMU, Marshall, and Georgia State.
Injuries- I don't know much about Southern injuries, but ODU seems pretty healthy (backup QB will play but he's looked as good/better than the starter)
ODU offense-
Colton Joseph was a highly thought of QB recruit. All I was told was that he was a gunslinger that could run but would run if needed to. So far, he's been a big time run threat that has struggled through the air. He does have a tendency to put the ball into trouble. The offense has flowed better with him under center as he's been able to pick up 3rd downs with his feet.
They average 38 rushes for 176 yards per game on the ground. They do have a powerful run game which has improved with a QB that is more willing to run. 4.6 ypc against the caliber of defenses they have faced is impressive, in my mind. They struggle through the air as Joseph has missed tons of downfield shots. Average 16-29 for 159 yards.
Georgia Southerns defense is pretty weak, which makes me wonder how they completely shut down JMU last week. They give up 33 for 175 (5.2) on the ground and 22-36 for 268 through the air (7.4). ODU should be able to move the ball and giving up over 5 yards per carry on the ground would be bad for Southern. They have very few sacks but had 6 last week. The rushing numbers would look worse for GSU if not for the sacks vs. JMU and the game vs. Georgia State. I expect them to blitz a ton on passing downs and try to load the box vs. the run.
After Coastal, I was ready to give up on the ODU defense. I will say in that game, the entire secondary was lost and guys were playing that were not expected to play this year. It seems like they are all generally healthy though. I hate the Southern offense because they nickel and dime you with quick passes and its a slow death. And ODUs defense tends to be more bend but dont break and hope for a turnover. The ODU defense has been really good the past 2 weeks, especially vs. Texas State. Through it all, ODU has typically had a strong run defense and this year is no different, giving up 3.8 ypc. On offense, Southern only averages 3.7 ypc so ODU should have the advantage on that end. Georgia Southern averages 35 for 129 on the ground and ODU gives up 43 for 162.Through the air Southern goes 22-37 for 245 yards (6.7 ypc). ODU gives up 20-33 for 239. Southern gives up 2.6 sacks per game and ODU gets right around 2. ODU has been opportunistic getting over an interception a game. Looks like Georgia Southern has a good kicker and good kick returner.
Digging in to a little bit of advanced numbers:
ODU (FEI)- 88
GSU (FEI) -74
Offense- ODU-100, GSU 76
Defense- ODU 59, GSU 70
ST- ODU 93, GSU 45
GSU coming off a huge win at home with a short week. ODU coming off a huge win at home off a short week. Would imagine ODU gets a slight advantage for the home week and slight one for the home team.
I think both teams move the ball and honestly turnovers will be huge. I think ODU puts pressure on GSU on the ground and it opens up some things through the air. If Joseph throws picks that changes things
, but I think he can be a positive. I do expect GSU to move the ball as well as Im still leery about the ODU defense to some degree. But Georgia Southern is slightly better on offense (passing game), but ODU has the advantage on the ground and a better defense. GSU looks like the better special teams. Thus, it ads up to ODU minus the points.
ODU- 31
GSU- 27
Best of luck!