I know it's early, as in very early, but as an avid ODU fan I like to see how the Monarchs' opponents are looking. I honestly don't know much about Eastern Michigan football or the school in general...

Things I do know:
- You all went 2-10 last year
- EMU doesn't get very good attendance
- EMU is close to the University of Michigan
- In the past 20 years, EMU football has not been very successful
- EMU is the first FBS team to visit Foreman Field!! (hopefully will be the first home FBS win for ODU also!)
- You all have a new coach who appears to be doing a good job

ODU's student newspaper wrote an article about our upcoming game: http://www.maceandcrown.com/2014/03/26/meet-the-eagles/

Questions I have:
Is your quarterback good?
Who are your star players?
What's your defense's weakness?
Anybody heading down to Norfolk for the game?
What are the fan expectations heading into this upcoming season?
What's your game plan if you're coaching against EMU?
Do you all have any questions about ODU?


I am looking forward to seeing the Eagles and I hope some of you all can come down to Norfolk to see the game! It's always a fun time!

-Our QB will be a true sophomore this coming year, and he is the first 4-star recruit we've ever had. He had his ups and downs as a true freshman, but showed some glimpses as to why he was rated so highly by the recruiting services. We expect him to improve quite a bit this season.

-Our stars are our running backs. Ryan Brumfield is good enough to start at most MAC schools, but he's our (very productive) backup because Bronson Hill is a stud. He's big and quick with game-changing speed. Had 1100 yards rushing despite missing most of two games and splitting some carries with Brumfield. He's easily our best player.

-Defensive weaknesses are, well, everything. We were very young on that side of the ball last year, so we are hoping another year of growth, plus a new coaching staff, will help our defense to improve. Frankly, they can't get any worse.

-I don't have much expectations at all for this team. I'm really impressed with the job our new coach, Chris Creighton, has done so far, and he inherited some talented kids, but we play in a brutal division and have a tough OOC schedule. I'll be happy with 3 wins, honestly. Anything more is a massive bonus.

I pretty much agree with everything Sam has said. The running game will be our credo, we'll live & die by that. I also think you have to give credit to a pretty experienced and productive offensive line that will be returning as well. I think our QB (Roback) will still be going through the learning process much of this year.

Should be a tough year, but quite frankly I would expect to beat ODU.... and if not, it will make what may be a long season even longer.

ODU's greatest weakness has already been its defense so if EMU can run effectively then I would expect a shootout.

I might be too optimistic, but I think ODU can beat you all. We have an improved defense and our offense (barring the o-line) is a battle-tested crew that can light up the scoreboard.

Of course, ODU fans have been warned not to expect immediate results as we move to FBS. Personally, I'm hoping EMU will be at least the second of six wins this upcoming season.

Have teams been able to pass on you all effectively? I ask because ODU's greatest weapon is Taylor Heinicke, who is an excellent quarterback.

To be honest, I wouldn't be surprised with either a win or a loss. Obviously I'm hoping for a win but this is the first season for our coaching staff and offensive/defensive schemes. We had one common opponent in 2013 - Howard. ODU beat Howard 76-19 and EMU beat Howard 34-24. But, that was last year.

Yes, teams were able to pass quite effectively on us last year but that is the key phrase - last year. It is anyone's guess what this unit under a new coach and new scheme will be like. Unfortunately, it is obvious that our former coach lost some members of the team fairly early in the year last year (i.e. they just stopped playing for him) so it's anyone's guess as to whether we were really that bad in the pass defense department or the fellas just didn't care anymore.

Here's the thing, this team is loaded with smart and talented athletes and a good coach should be able to motivate these young men to play at their highest potential. I think we have that coach and I am very confident that this will be an improved squad. The problem with the ODU game is that y'all are sandwiched between games at Florida and Michigan State - neither of which will be easy or encouraging contests.

I'm not thumping my chest but I do expect an improved team in the fall. Does that mean we're going to win our conference? Nope. But I do expect us to be more competitive and that is a first step. Does that mean I think we'll beat ODU? Nope. But I do expect a better showing and effort than we would have given last year.

Is that a convoluted enough answer for you?

I agree our QB is talented but inexperienced. Our RB and OL should be a strength going into the season. Our best WR is out with an injury and there isn't impressive depth at the WR position. Our starting TE Russell is a good one. I expect us to continue to more run oriented but maybe with multiple backs in the set.

The change to a 3-4 would be interesting. Our DL need not put pressure on the QB last year or stop the run. We do have two talented redshirts to help improve that area. Our LBs overall were sophs and at the end we had two true freshmen play. Our DBs hard to judge when the other team has all day to throw but CC brought in 4 DBs and one JUCO so there will be competition at that spot.

The new coach appears to be working on improving what he has-it appears the players like his approach as evidenced by personnel performance in the strength and conditoning area.

I too would not be surprised by a win or a loss. We had a more experienced team a few years back that lost to Illinois State.

(04-04-2014 11:37 PM)Murray007 Wrote:  ODU's greatest weakness has already been its defense so if EMU can run effectively then I would expect a shootout.

I might be too optimistic, but I think ODU can beat you all. We have an improved defense and our offense (barring the o-line) is a battle-tested crew that can light up the scoreboard.

Of course, ODU fans have been warned not to expect immediate results as we move to FBS. Personally, I'm hoping EMU will be at least the second of six wins this upcoming season.

Have teams been able to pass on you all effectively? I ask because ODU's greatest weapon is Taylor Heinicke, who is an excellent quarterback.

Like I said I mean no disrespect by it, it would just be a tough pill to swallow losing to a first year fbs team

Dear Friends,
I am making some preliminary plans to attend the game. My daughter lives in Charlottesville, so it might be a twofer. Visit my daughter and go to the game. We had a small group attend the Ball State game in Muncie a couple of years ago, so this just may be a road trip for this coming season.

(04-05-2014 12:56 AM)HuronRob Wrote:  To be honest, I wouldn't be surprised with either a win or a loss. Obviously I'm hoping for a win but this is the first season for our coaching staff and offensive/defensive schemes. We had one common opponent in 2013 - Howard. ODU beat Howard 76-19 and EMU beat Howard 34-24. But, that was last year.

Yes, teams were able to pass quite effectively on us last year but that is the key phrase - last year. It is anyone's guess what this unit under a new coach and new scheme will be like. Unfortunately, it is obvious that our former coach lost some members of the team fairly early in the year last year (i.e. they just stopped playing for him) so it's anyone's guess as to whether we were really that bad in the pass defense department or the fellas just didn't care anymore.

Here's the thing, this team is loaded with smart and talented athletes and a good coach should be able to motivate these young men to play at their highest potential. I think we have that coach and I am very confident that this will be an improved squad. The problem with the ODU game is that y'all are sandwiched between games at Florida and Michigan State - neither of which will be easy or encouraging contests.

I'm not thumping my chest but I do expect an improved team in the fall. Does that mean we're going to win our conference? Nope. But I do expect us to be more competitive and that is a first step. Does that mean I think we'll beat ODU? Nope. But I do expect a better showing and effort than we would have given last year.

Is that a convoluted enough answer for you?

Indeed it is! I certainly hope ODU improves from last year also. There were some losses I would like to forget about (UNC, Maryland...)

It's going to be a fun game!

I really appreciate you all answering my questions. Looks like EMU will be a great first test for our 6 year football program!

Any questions about ODU?

(04-06-2014 09:00 PM)Murray007 Wrote:  I really appreciate you all answering my questions. Looks like EMU will be a great first test for our 6 year football program!

Any questions about ODU?

No questions from me yet but it looks like y'all have had a very good FCS program and should field a respectable, if not very successful, FBS program. Old Dominion kind of reminds me of the Marshall story. They too were a very successful FCS program before entering the FBS ranks. They surprised a lot of folk early on and had great success. Recent years have not been so great for Marshall but that happens when you become more well known and your coach either retires (as was the case with Marshall) or leaves for a more prestigious programs. Success does that to a program.

I wish you guys success and will be interested to know how you fair in your first year as a FBS program - not at our expense, of course.

I take back my comment about not having any questions. Since this is currently a heated debate here, how much does Old Dominion charge for football tickets? Does Old Dominion charge for parking?

(04-06-2014 09:33 PM)HuronRob Wrote:  

(04-06-2014 09:00 PM)Murray007 Wrote:  I really appreciate you all answering my questions. Looks like EMU will be a great first test for our 6 year football program!

Any questions about ODU?

No questions from me yet but it looks like y'all have had a very good FCS program and should field a respectable, if not very successful, FBS program. Old Dominion kind of reminds me of the Marshall story. They too were a very successful FCS program before entering the FBS ranks. They surprised a lot of folk early on and had great success. Recent years have not been so great for Marshall but that happens when you become more well known and your coach either retires (as was the case with Marshall) or leaves for a more prestigious programs. Success does that to a program.

I wish you guys success and will be interested to know how you fair in your first year as a FBS program - not at our expense, of course.

I take back my comment about not having any questions. Since this is currently a heated debate here, how much does Old Dominion charge for football tickets? Does Old Dominion charge for parking?

I certainly hope we can replicate Marshall's early success (and sustain it!). Thanks for your well wishes.

ODU does not charge for parking. There are free parking garages about 3/4 of mile from Foreman Field, and plenty of street parking near the stadium. The closer parking lots (tailgating lots) and the closest two parking garages are available for people that give lots of $$$$.

Ticket prices are $26, I think. For the best seats the prices increase and most of the season ticket holders give money to the athletic foundation for the opportunity to buy tickets (ODU has around a 10K waiting list for tickets). I'm not the best expert on ticket prices because I am a current ODU student and student tickets are free.