Old Dominion vs. Georgia Southern: A Thursday Night Showdown in the Sun Belt
As the calendar turns to late October, college football fans are in for a treat this Thursday. Old Dominion (3-4) hosts Georgia Southern (5-2) at Ballard Stadium in a matchup that holds significant implications in the Sun Belt Conference. With Georgia Southern looking to clinch bowl eligibility for the third consecutive season under head coach Clay Helton, this game is set to be a clash of two teams vying for supremacy in the league.
A Novel Experience for the Monarchs
This game marks a historic moment for Old Dominion as they host their inaugural Thursday night football matchup. Scheduled for a 7 p.m. kickoff, fans can catch the action live on ESPN2. The Monarchs have faced a challenging season so far, holding a record of 3-4, but they will be looking to leverage the home-field advantage to swing the momentum in their favor.
On the other hand, Georgia Southern enters the contest with aspirations of continuing their strong performance this season. The Eagles have shown resilience, with both of their losses this season coming at the hands of ranked teams: Ole Miss and Boise State. This fact shines a light on the competitive nature of the Eagles, who also boast a perfect record in the conference at 3-0.
Betting Lines and Predictions
Analyzing the odds for this pivotal game, we see a slight edge given to Old Dominion, which has opened as a 2-point favorite. Here’s a breakdown of the latest betting lines:
| Teams | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia Southern | +2.0 (-110) | +110 | O 54.0 (-110) |
| Old Dominion | -2.0 (+110) | -130 | U 54.0 (-110) |
As of 4 p.m. ET October 23 at Caesars Sportsbook.
Both teams have had mixed results against the spread. Georgia Southern is one of the top performers, holding a 5-1-1 record against the spread, while Old Dominion’s struggles as a favorite make this matchup intriguing. Historically, Old Dominion is 0-7 against the spread as favorites since joining the Sun Belt last year, which begs the question: can they break the trend on this new Thursday night stage?
Spotlight on Key Players
Every football game is a story about the players on the field, and this matchup has its share of intriguing figures. Georgia Southern’s offense revolves around quarterback JC French, a Memphis transfer who has thrown for 1,531 yards and 10 touchdowns this season. He is complemented by the dynamic play of sixth-year tight end Tyler Fromm, who brings experience and skill to the Eagles’ receiving corps.
On the defensive side, Georgia Southern’s Marques Watson-Trent leads the Sun Belt in tackles with 69. His play will be crucial as he and the Eagles defense look to stifle Old Dominion’s offense, which struggles in the air but showcases a formidable rushing attack led by quarterback Colton Joseph.
In his first few starts, Joseph has added a spark to the Monarchs, notably rushing for 111 yards and two touchdowns in a recent victory over Texas State. As the second-leading rusher on the team, Joseph’s ability to extend plays with his legs will be vital to Old Dominion’s offensive strategies.
A Rivalry Rekindled
Last season, Old Dominion narrowly defeated Georgia Southern with a dramatic last-second touchdown run by former quarterback Grant Wilson. With Wilson sidelined due to injury, Joseph will now helm the Monarchs’ offense, looking to replicate that success.
Old Dominion’s defense has been stellar as well, currently leading the Sun Belt in red zone defense. They’ve allowed an impressive conversion rate, with opponents scoring only 19 times on 26 visits, showcasing their grit and determination.
What’s at Stake?
A win for Georgia Southern would not only secure bowl eligibility but also bolster their position within the Sun Belt standings. The Eagles are showing promise, and this game could set the tone for the remainder of their season. Conversely, Old Dominion needs a victory to stay competitive and build momentum heading into November.
Prediction: A Fine Balance of Skill and Strategy
Considering the strengths and weaknesses of both teams, the prediction tilts in favor of the Eagles. They’ve faced tougher opposition and managed to remain resilient. Thus, our prediction leans towards:
- Georgia Southern +2.5 at DraftKings
- Under 54.5 at BetMGM
With a large crowd expected to support the home team, emotions will run high, but ultimately, Georgia Southern’s experience and robust defense should help them secure a crucial victory. Expect to see a closely contested game that showcases the grit of Sun Belt football, with the under hitting comfortably.
As the teams prepare to take the field, fans can undoubtedly anticipate an exciting showdown filled with high stakes, emotion, and the unpredictable nature of college football. Whether you are tuning in or attending, this matchup promises to be a memorable encounter as Old Dominion and Georgia Southern collide under the Thursday night lights.
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