Hypothetical 2020 Football Opponent Preview: Old Dominion

Today begins our preview of the 2020 Wake Forest football season as we look through each of the opponents that the Deacs will face. We realize that the season is in doubt at this point, but since no announcement has been made about a postponement or cancellation of any games, we will go ahead and begin previewing the Deacs’ opponents today.

First up, the Old Dominion Monarchs.

Let’s talk some general details!

About The University

University Founded: 1930

Location: Norfolk, Virginia (a place of meaning for the Foochs clan!)

University Motto: Porta ad Mundos Novos. Portal to New Worlds.

University Mascot: Monarchs

Colors: State blue and silver

Enrollment: 25,000

Endowment: $240.9 million

Football Details

All-Time Record: 119–92–4 (.563)

Bowl Record: 1-0 (ODU has been FBS since 2014)

2019 Record: 1-11 (BIG yikes)

Current Coach: Ricky Rahne, 1st season

So uh...assuming the game actually happens, which, I’m not so sure it will, I’d be EXTREMELY concerned if we lost this game. A first year head coach with a core that went 1-11 last season? I don’t think I need to elaborate on that one too much. This is pretty much the epitome of a tune-up game, at least on paper, so I’ll be interested to see how our roster seems to come together. Just to be clear, the only game ODU won last season was in their season opener against Norfolk State, and while they had a handful of close losses, 8 of the 11 were by double digits. Absolutely a rough season for the Monarchs, no doubt about it.

I’m not about to presume that the Deacs won’t have their own rust or adjustments, but I think there’s little doubt which of these two squads SHOULD win this game. I would break down the matchup in more detail, but, well, there’s really not all that much to break down. Let me know in the comments what you think about this game, or heck, even the season in general if you want to pontificate on that.

Thanks for reading, and as always, Go Deacs.

—SF