TOWSON, Md. - This was supposed to be a transition year for Old Dominion football. The Monarchs were in their first year in the CAA after just two seasons of football and most pundits had them picked near the bottom of the league in preseason polls. Then again, those same experts had the Tigers in last place in most preseason polls.
So, maybe this writer was one of those pundits who voted on those polls and didn't have Old Dominion first and Towson second. What each team has done is remarkable at this point of the season even though the Monarchs have taken a much different road.
Led by third-year Coach Bobby Wilder, Old Dominion has started out winning since its first season of play and hasn't stopped. Last year, the Monarchs went 8-3 as an independent, losing their only game against a CAA opponent by a very narrow margin. Their 21-17 home loss to #12 William & Mary sent a message that the Monarchs would at least be competitive in the first season in the league.
In fact, ODU has been more than competitive at 5-1 overall and 2-1 in the CAA. The Monarchs' only loss came at the hands of Delaware on the road, 27-17. They have very impressive wins over UMass (48-33) and on the road at Rhode Island (31-23) last week.
Aside from a very talented team, the Monarchs have one of the league's best home field advantages at Foreman Field at S.B. Ballard Stadium. ODU has hosted 18 games over the last three seasons and all of the them have been sellouts. They averaged 19,782 in the first two seasons and increased the attendance to 19,818, which is good for sixth in the nation in FCS.
Statistically, the Monarchs have one of the strongest offenses in the CAA. They average 37 points per game and are putting up 173.3 yards per game on the ground (Towson averages 227.6 ypg). They also have good balance as they average 235.5 yards per game in the air. The key will be whether ODU's outstanding run defense (96.3 ypg) can hold down the impressive running game or whether the Tigers' passing offense (178.8 ypg) can take advantage of ODU's passing defense (243.5 ypg allowed).
The Monarchs have two outstanding options at quarterback. Coming into this season, they had one of the best quarterbacks in the league in senior Thomas DeMarco (5-11, 200). However, DeMarco sustained a high ankle sprain on Oct. 1 in ODU's win over UMass. True freshman Taylor Heinicke (6-1, 190) came in during the second half against the Minutemen and has completed 34 of 43 passes with five touchdowns and no interceptions.
ODU runs the spread offense and both quarterbacks can run some option. DeMarco has 129 yards rushing and five touchdowns while Heinicke has 37 yards and one rushing touchdown.
At this point, Heinicke is listed as the starter but either way, Old Dominion is very strong at this position. At running back, sophomore Colby Goodwyn (5-10, 200) leads the team in rushing with 356 yards (5.0 yards per carry) but has been hampered by a sprained ankle. If he doesn't go, redshirt freshman Angus Harper (6-0, 210), who has 265 yards and three touchdowns, is a solid replacement.
The Monarchs usually employ three small, but quick receivers. Junior Reid Evans (5-10, 175) leads the team with 27 catches for 297 yards and two TDs. Freshman Antonio Vaughan (5-8, 170) adds 24 catches for 246 yards (10.2 ypc) while junior Nick Mayers (5-7, 170) is third on the team with 21 receptions for 229 yards and three TDs.
The offensive line has quality size and experience and is led by senior left tackle Ryan Jensen (6-5, 300) and huge sophomore left guard David Born (6-8, 340).
On defense, this is a very aggressive unit that has recorded 19 sacks and is led by outstanding senior defensive end Chad King (6-3, 250). The Springfield, Va. product leads the team with 4.5 sacks while adding four pass breakups, 31 tackles and 5.5 tackles for loss. The other end is senior Edmon McClam (6-6, 280), who has 17 tackles and two sacks.
The interior of the defensive also has solid experience and size. Senior Ronnie Cameron (6-2, 295), a Hofstra transfer after the program dissolved following the 2009 season, is having a big season with 33 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 8.5 tackles for loss, 7 QB hurries, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. Junior nose guard Chris Burnette (6-4, 280) has contributed two sacks and three QB hurries.
At linebacker, junior Craig Wilkins (6-2, 225) leads the team with 57 tackles, adding 6.5 tackles for loss, one interception and two pass breakups. Senior J.J. Williams (6-2, 225) mans the middle with 37 tackles while junior Alex Arain (6-4, 220) has posted 32 tackles and 1.5 sacks.
In the secondary, both corners are young as sophomore Markell Wilkins (5-9, 165), who redshirted last year due to injury, has 15 tackles and one interception. Redshirt freshman Eriq Lewis (6-0, 180) is tied for the team lead with two interceptions and has a team-high eight pass breakups.
Junior safety Carvin Powell (6-1, 205) is tied for third on the team with 33 tackles while adding an interception, a fumble recovery and a forced fumble. Junior Devon Simmons (6-2, 205) has posted a pair of interceptions with 27 tackles.
ODU also has one of the best special teams in the CAA, led by punter Jonathan Pisco, who averages 47.1 yards per kick, including 16 punts of 50 or more and seven punts inside the 20. Kicker Jarod Brown has made 8 of 10 field goals, including a 51-yarder. The return unit is also strong and is led by Aaron Evans, who averages 25.6 yards per return.
Towson faces Old Dominion at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday in Norfolk, Va. The game can be heard on WNST-AM 1570 and TowsonTigers.com. ODU also has live video coverage at ODUSports.com.
