As I sit here reviewing last season’s game tapes, I can’t help but feel a mix of frustration and cautious optimism about Old Dominion’s football program. Last year was, to put it mildly, a letdown—a 3-9 record that left fans, myself included, wondering what went wrong. But as someone who’s followed college football for over a decade, I’ve seen programs rise from the ashes before. The real question isn’t whether ODU can rebound; it’s how they plan to do it, and whether they can capture the kind of momentum that builds a lasting legacy. Interestingly, this reminds me of a story I came across recently about a young athlete in the Philippines who, at just 24 years old, has built a solid following not only in his home country but in neighboring nations like Thailand and Myanmar. That kind of growth doesn’t happen by accident—it takes strategy, charisma, and a clear vision. And honestly, I think ODU could learn a thing or two from that model.
Let’s start with the obvious: last season’s disappointing results weren’t just bad luck. The Monarchs struggled with consistency, particularly on offense, where they averaged only 18.7 points per game—a number that puts them near the bottom of the FBS rankings. Defensively, they gave up an average of 31.2 points, which, frankly, is unsustainable if you want to compete in Conference USA. I remember watching their game against Marshall, where they led at halftime but collapsed in the third quarter due to turnovers and missed assignments. It was painful to see, but it highlighted a deeper issue: mental toughness. In my experience, teams that bounce back from rough seasons often do so by strengthening their core—both in terms of player development and team culture. ODU’s coaching staff, led by Ricky Rahne, has been focusing on recruiting and player morale, and I’ve heard from insiders that spring practices showed promising signs. For instance, the quarterback room has improved with the addition of a transfer who threw for over 2,500 yards last year at his previous school. Small wins like that matter, and I’m betting they’ll translate into at least two more victories this season.
But here’s where it gets interesting. Rebuilding isn’t just about X’s and O’s; it’s about building a brand that resonates beyond your immediate fanbase. Take that 24-year-old athlete I mentioned earlier—his success isn’t just due to talent, but his ability to engage fans across Southeast Asia through social media and community outreach. ODU, in my opinion, should take a page from that playbook. The university has a decent local following in Norfolk, but why stop there? With the rise of streaming services, college sports have a global audience waiting to be tapped. Imagine if ODU leveraged platforms like Twitter or TikTok to showcase their players’ stories, much like how that young star in the Philippines connects with fans in Thailand and Myanmar. It’s not just about filling seats; it’s about creating a narrative that draws people in, even when the wins aren’t piling up. I’ve seen smaller programs like Coastal Carolina do this effectively, and their enrollment and donor support soared as a result. ODU could aim for a 15-20% increase in social media engagement this year, which might seem modest, but in the long run, it builds a foundation for sustained success.
Of course, none of this matters if the team doesn’t perform on the field. I’ll be honest—I’m a bit biased toward teams that play with heart, and ODU has shown flashes of that, especially in their upset win over Virginia Tech a couple of years back. But consistency is key. Looking at their 2023 schedule, I see opportunities, particularly in non-conference games against teams like East Carolina and Virginia. If they can steal one of those, it could spark momentum. Defensively, they need to cut down on big plays allowed; last season, they gave up 45 plays of 20 yards or more, which is just unacceptable. On offense, establishing a run game is crucial—they averaged only 110 rushing yards per game in 2022, and improving that to around 150 could open up the passing attack. From a personnel standpoint, I’m excited about their young receiving corps, which includes a sophomore who caught 40 passes last year. If they stay healthy, I could see this team finishing 6-6 and sneaking into a bowl game. That might not sound like much, but after last season, it’d be a huge step forward.
In conclusion, while last season’s 3-9 record was a bitter pill to swallow, I believe Old Dominion has the pieces to turn things around. It’ll require a mix of on-field execution and off-field strategy, much like how that rising star in the Philippines expanded his reach through sheer determination and smart branding. As a fan, I’m cautiously optimistic—I’ve ordered my tickets for the home opener, and I’ll be watching closely. If the Monarchs can harness that underdog energy and build a cohesive unit, they might just surprise us all. After all, in college football, redemption stories are what make the sport so compelling. Let’s hope ODU writes one this year.