good luck dollaz.
Monarchs look pretty improved to me
Thanks, you too. They somehow almost snuck into a bowl game last year and should have more talent this year.
Pretty much anyone important (besides Misher) returns for ODU. The real spot that I'm concerned with is OL. The team has been trying to counter that by adding a TE to the offense and are finally able to do that this year. (last year top 2 TEs got hurt in camp). This year they have about 5 solid choices including a former backup QB. The starter is Vaughn, a former WR that is now 260 pounds of muscle. QB play held them back last year until Washington was converted back to QB. He then went down with a torn ACL (is back 100% now) and Bentley actually showed some improvement in the last 3 games (9 td:1 int). He provides an experienced (and talented-3/4 star) backup.
They are absolutely loaded at RB. Lawry had a huge season despite having injuries throughout. Backup Cox looks to be a hair behind Lawry, this guy really impressed me last year. There are several other options here as well. WR is skilled and deep as always. Nice mix of big guys and smaller burners. Pascal should have another great season. I don't know what to expect at OL. New coach there and a lot of turnover. Starting LT is a redshirt freshman. Not much depth. This is the key area, if they are decent, the team goes to a bowl game, but this unit could also be a disaster.
The defense has always been the problem and has never been anything resembling an FBS caliber defense. Last year they rose from probably worst in NCAA to around 100ish. Return all but a safety. The DL is a bit small, but very talented and deep. The DL can really get after the passer if they can figure out a way to get into passing downs. I really like the DL and the depth is very good so injuries should not be a big concern. They have some younger DTs that I hope can help with the run. 8 deep. They could have 3 seniors starting at LB with 3 former 3 star prospects behind them. The secondary did its job last year, but really werent tested because the defense was run on so much. There are plenty of defensive backs and 3 star 1st and 2nd year players behind the starters. I think the defense could make big push this year into the 75 range if they can improve stopping the run, which they can because they can test the secondary in man coverage this year.
Special teams has been a disaster. The punter is a true freshman so who knows. Kicker was solid last year. I do think they can improve as the guys on special teams will be bigger and faster than last year. They had so many guys redshirting that some pretty bad players were forced to play teams.
They play 7 teams that are higher than 100 ranked and should be favored in 5 of them; Hampton, UTSA, UMASS, Florida Int, @Charlotte and dogs at Utep and Florida Atlantic. They really need to go 5-2 here, but should be at least 4-3. 3 games are likely blowouts; @App State (though they catch them in a perfect spot, revenge game and after App State faces Tenn), @NC State, and @Western Kentucky. Last 2 games are home games vs. Marshall and Southern Miss. They should probably be dogs in both games, but I think Southern Miss is a question mark this year.
I think 6-6 is most realistic. 5-7 probably a little more realistic than 7-5.