Old Dominion was on the cusp of winning many games last year – but just couldn’t quite get it done.
The Monarchs played in eight games decided by just one possession and lost six of them. That included a 23-19 defeat at South Carolina to start the year. ODU ended up going 5-7 overall and were just short of bowl-eligibility.
The Monarchs hope they can show some improvement and get back to a bowl game in 2025. Some even believe they could contend in the Sun Belt. But they have a major test right away in Week 1.
Old Dominion vs. Indiana Betting Odds
Indiana is a -23.5 college football betting odds favorite against Old Dominion, with the Over/Under being 53.5.
The moneyline for Old Dominion is +1200, while it’s -3000 for Indiana.
Old Dominion vs. Indiana On TV
The matchup between Old Dominion and Indiana will be televised on FS1.
The game will kick off at 2:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, Aug. 30. The contest is taking place at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington, Indiana.
Old Dominion vs. Indiana Prediction
I predict Indiana will win but Old Dominion will cover the 23.5-point spread. I also project the game will go Under 53.5 total points.
Many Old Dominion fans are optimistic about this season. It’s easy to see why considering the talent the Monarchs have on both sides of the ball.
Let’s start at quarterback. Colton Joseph made the All-Sun Belt honorable mention list last year as a redshirt freshman after he threw for 1,627 yards, 11 touchdowns, and five interceptions on a 60% completion rate in eight starts. He also ran for 647 yards and a team-best 11 touchdowns.
And on defense, the Monarchs might have the best linebacking corps in the Group of Five and all of college football.
Koa Naotala made the All-Sun Belt second team last year after leading the Monarchs with 88 tackles while adding 4.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, and one forced fumble. Mario Thompson made the all-conference honorable mention list after ranking third on the team with 65 tackles and second with 9.5 TFLs while totaling four sacks and one fumble recovery.
And that’s not to mention Preseason G5 All-American Jason Henderson, who missed all but one game last season after ranking second in the FBS with 170 tackles in 2023.
Defensive lineman Kris Trinidad, another Preseason G5 All-American, returns as well. The all-conference third-teamer in 2024 led Old Dominion with 10.5 TFLs and 5.5 sacks while also recording 45 tackles, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery.
Indiana is a good program now. But I think ODU will surprise some people this year, and that’ll start with a close game here.
