"If ODU has even a top-100 defense in 2014, the Monarchs could challenge for a spot in the C-USA title game."

http://www.sbnation.com/college-football...ule-roster

(03-17-2014 10:06 PM)Indiana Bones Wrote:  "If ODU has even a top-100 defense in 2014, the Monarchs could challenge for a spot in the C-USA title game."

http://www.sbnation.com/college-football...ule-roster

Good thorough review. We will be competitive if we can get that defense together. Let's see FB season can't come soon enough.

(03-17-2014 10:06 PM)Indiana Bones Wrote:  "If ODU has even a top-100 defense in 2014, the Monarchs could challenge for a spot in the C-USA title game."

http://www.sbnation.com/college-football...ule-roster

Thanks for the post Bones. I hope the writer's optimism is right on.

Aim High * Go Monarchs

(03-17-2014 10:06 PM)Indiana Bones Wrote:  "If ODU has even a top-100 defense in 2014, the Monarchs could challenge for a spot in the C-USA title game."

http://www.sbnation.com/college-football...ule-roster

I take that as both a nice compliment of our offense and a fair indictment of our offense. Hopefully our offense will stay on track and our "D" will acquit itself well.

Our "D" has recruited good talent, but it will still be very young. My guess is that, unlike last year, they will be much better at the end of the season than at the beginning.

Every time I think we've moved past "Cancelgate"...something like this is printed.

"16-Nov Charlotte N/A 42-14 W N/A N/A"

Seriously though, there's alot of reasons for ODU to be optimistic. They recruited well, so there should be improvement of the defensive side of the ball. I guess the big question is, how much?

(03-18-2014 09:00 AM)chidave Wrote:  Every time I think we've moved past "Cancelgate"...something like this is printed.

"16-Nov Charlotte N/A 42-14 W N/A N/A"

Seriously though, there's alot of reasons for ODU to be optimistic. They recruited well, so there should be improvement of the defensive side of the ball. I guess the big question is, how much?

Cancelgate that's funny. Wanted/unwanted hate was born May be this will fire up fan bases and make it a good rivalry. Looking forward to play Charlotte and hand y'all y'all's arses like we got ours when we played tarhoes

Not trying to be a Debbie Downer, but please realize the transition from FCS to FBS is HUGE. WKU fans thought they would come in and rock the house in the SBC but had 3 years of losing horrifically. Not saying this WILL happen to ODU but history is on the side of struggle. You guys have certainly recruited well and I truly hope you come out of the gate strong.

Just temper your expectations and treat every win as if they are gold. Because truthfully they are at any level.

(03-18-2014 09:31 AM)OwlFamily Wrote:  Not trying to be a Debbie Downer, but please realize the transition from FCS to FBS is HUGE. WKU fans thought they would come in and rock the house in the SBC but had 3 years of losing horrifically. Not saying this WILL happen to ODU but history is on the side of struggle. You guys have certainly recruited well and I truly hope you come out of the gate strong.

Just temper your expectations and treat every win as if they are gold. Because truthfully they are at any level.

True enough. I don't know too many ODU fans who actually think we could compete for a spot in the championship game even with an improved defense. I think as a whole our fanbase's expectations are reletively grounded in reality. I look forward to a fun and competative season in CUSA.

(03-18-2014 09:41 AM)paintedblue Wrote:  

(03-18-2014 09:31 AM)OwlFamily Wrote:  Not trying to be a Debbie Downer, but please realize the transition from FCS to FBS is HUGE. WKU fans thought they would come in and rock the house in the SBC but had 3 years of losing horrifically. Not saying this WILL happen to ODU but history is on the side of struggle. You guys have certainly recruited well and I truly hope you come out of the gate strong.

Just temper your expectations and treat every win as if they are gold. Because truthfully they are at any level.

True enough. I don't know too many ODU fans who actually think we could compete for a spot in the championship game even with an improved defense. I think as a whole our fanbase's expectations are reletively grounded in reality. I look forward to a fun and competative season in CUSA.

Right on most fo the fans are realistic and expecting us to be competeitive in most games. Personallty i am expecting to see some life on defense this season.

I think you'll find that in the East all of these games will be tough ones for you: Marshall, Middle Tennessee, Western Kentucky and FAU. (Not disrespecting FIU, but I think they need a bit more development to compete for a East Division title. I don't think you play UAB this coming year). And from the west you have last year's conference champion in Rice and two improved teams from last year, UTEP and LaTech.) It's very hard to predict how the Monarchs will do in their first year. But I think it will be tougher than some of your fans (not all) think. 4-4 or better would be a major, great start for you guys, imo.

.500 is my bar. Anything above is amazing and getting close would be awesome.

My realistic expectations are to go 5-7 or possibly 6-6. But I think like many other Monarch fans, I would not be surprised if ODU wound up winning 7 or 8 games.

Please understand. I don't expect ODU to win 7-8 games, and I don't predict that. But I just would not be surprised if the 2014 Monarchs exceed our expectations. In their short history, they have a habit of doing just that.

(03-18-2014 12:12 PM)ODU AGGIE Wrote:  My realistic expectations are to go 5-7 or possibly 6-6. But I think like many other Monarch fans, I would not be surprised if ODU wound up winning 7 or 8 games.

Please understand. I don't expect ODU to win 7-8 games, and I don't predict that. But I just would not be surprised if the 2014 Monarchs exceed our expectations. In their short history, they have a habit of doing just that.

I hope history repeats itself.