The Old Dominion offense returns 11 starters this season. They face off against the Hokies of Va. Tech on Saturday. Here we take a look at that talented Monarchs offense.
The Old Dominion Offense
QB Hayden Wolff
Wolff played in 10 games last season and started the final seven games. As a result, he was named the starter for the 2022 season. Wolff passed for 1933 yards, 10 TDs, and 7 INTs. He completed 62% of his passes and averaged 193 yards passing per game.
Wolff posted two games of over 300 yards passing last season: 327 yards in a loss to Western Kentucky, and 328 yards (3 TDs, 2 INTs) in a 56-34 win over Charlotte.
Also, he led the Monarchs on a five-game winning streak in which he threw nine touchdown passes.
RB Blake Watson
Watson missed two games in 2021. However, he still rushed for 1112 yards and 8 touchdowns. Watson averaged 101 yards per game (ranked 4th in C-USA).
In addition, he posted six games of over 100+yards rushing, including five games in a row. In each of those five games, Watson posted 20+carries. For instance, his high game of 2021 was 23 carries for 163 yards and a score in a 30-16 win over FAU.
TE Zack Kuntz
Kuntz led the team with 73 catches (for 692 yards) and 5 TDs. His high game of the season came against FIU. Kuntz caught nine passes for 102 yards and a touchdown.
WR Ali Jennings
Jennings caught 61 balls for 1063 yards and 5 TDs. In addition, he averaged 17 yards per catch. His high game came against Charlotte: 9 catches, 252 yards, and 3 TDs in a 56-34 win.
In addition, the offensive line returns four starters to provide protection for Wolff.
Old Dominion’s Offense vs Va. Tech’s Defense
The Hokies return seven starters on defense. Four of those starters racked up 80 or more tackles:
- LB Dax Holifield: 92 tackles, 4.5 sacks
- S Nasir Peoples: 88 tackles, 2 TFLs, 1 INT.
- LB Alan Tisdale: 84 tackles, 7.5 TFLs, 2.5 sacks.
- DB Chamarri Conner: 86 tackles, 5.5 TFLs, 1 INT, 2 sacks.
Va. Tech’s defense national rankings in 2021 were as follows (according to cfbstats.com):
- Total Defense: #78 (393 yards/game)
- Rushing Defense: #91 (169 yards/game)
- Passing Defense: #63 (224 yards/game)
- Scoring Defense: #54 (25 points/game)
Old Dominion vs Va. Tech-Final Thoughts
The Monarchs are +8.5 underdogs to the Hokies on their home field. However, with that many weapons returning for ODU on offense, take the points. Look for an “upset” of the Hokies in Week 1.
Thanks for reading.