OK, most of the big name games are out of the way for discussion, and I've been flipping East/West in discussing these first week games. At first look, Hampton @ Old Dominion is a yawner. Not much reason for me to suggest otherwise upon a second look.

I'm not a fan of most FCS games for our conference mates, but I will say if you have to do them, then "backyard" games are the way to go. ODU has a bit of a tradition playing Hampton, Norfolk State, and Howard (a little farther afield, but still close).

Historically, the Monarchs have had little trouble scoring on the Pirates, average around 43 points in their last 3 outings. And assuming Ray Lawry runs as usual, and Zach Pascal starts as he finished last year, AND that their QB issues get resolved, there's no reason to think this won't be a win for the Monarchs.

ODU needs to take this tune up seriously however. Hampton narrowly lost 45-42 in 2011 and 41-28 in 2014. They are returning, it seems, a pretty good offensive unit with some proven players at skill positions.
Their losses on both O and D lines, will be a problem for Hampton, however.

My prediction. An easy win for ODU: 41-21.

I think you pretty well nailed it. The Monarchs will be using a tight end quite a bit this year, something they have done very little of since reintroducing football in 2009. Hampton should present a good opportunity to get the kinks out of the new offense and settle in the O-line. With a full FBS roster, the large number of returning starters and the improved depth across the board, we should be able to wear them down. I also actually will be surprised if we give up 21 points.

Sat Sept 3 Hampton at SB Ballard Stadium I will give you my early gut, and I mean gut feeling for this game. It is way too early to get a feel for the starting QB job, the offensive line and even our special teams (primarily kicking and punting). I will go on record, and that is not hard to do with Lawry's past performances to use as a measuring stick to say Ray will have a very good year. IMO, it will be another record setting season. I also think the supporting cast of backs will all have a huge impact on our final results and will help free up a few options for our starting QB. Again, Just my gut reaction, but I highly believe that David Washington will step on to Forman Field against Hampton and he will have one of the best games of his career. I am sure Bentley will see playing time this year but NOT with the title at the "start of the season" as the 1st string QB, just my opinion.
Game 1 Hampton: ODU 42 Hampton 17 - W

Pretty much. I would take the under on Hampton points as I believe like many others our defense finally starts showing signs of improvement and might be a strength over our o this year. But otherwise, yup.

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We definitely should not sleep walk through this game... They have a bunch of 757 guys and 2 of our former coaches on staff (Bacote and Malloy).

ODU's band gets trounced.

(07-12-2016 07:31 PM)devyanks90 Wrote:  ODU's band gets trounced.

Well in reality, trounced is not the right way to describe what will happen. The Hampton band will never stop playing the entire game. They will play some configuration of notes repetitiously that is just a loud noise for 2 1/2 hours. Even if the refs warn them to stop they will continue on and on and on. If our band starts to play first the Hampton band will immediately try to play over them louder....its what they have done every time we have played them in the years past. Just my observation.

(07-13-2016 01:13 AM)ODU Oldtimer Wrote:  

(07-12-2016 07:31 PM)devyanks90 Wrote:  ODU's band gets trounced.

Well in reality, trounced is not the right way to describe what will happen. The Hampton band will never stop playing the entire game. They will play some configuration of notes repetitiously that is just a loud noise for 2 1/2 hours. Even if the refs warn them to stop they will continue on and on and on. If our band starts to play first the Hampton band will immediately try to play over them louder....its what they have done every time we have played them in the years past. Just my observation.

The joys of playing HBCUs, where the game is second and the band comes first.

JSU does that. Alcorn does that. I see a trend.