Virginia Tech Hokies vs. Old Dominion Monarchs Pick & Prediction SEPTEMBER 14th 2024
Preview and Prediction
Why is it uncommon for teams from power conferences to play on the road against Group of Five schools? Just ask Virginia Tech.
In the past six years, the Hokies have twice made the journey across Virginia to face Old Dominion, and both times they have suffered defeat.
When Virginia Tech (1-1) makes their third trip to Norfolk to take on the Monarchs (0-2) this Saturday, they will be looking to overcome their unfortunate track record in this series.
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In their three meetings at Virginia Tech, the Hokies have managed to come out on top, including a 36-17 victory in last year's season opener. However, their performance in Norfolk has been a different story.
"I am not naive," said Old Dominion coach Ricky Rahne. "I am well aware that the game against Virginia Tech holds great significance. It is important to me, to our school, and to our fan base."
On the other hand, Virginia Tech does not seem as enthusiastic about this matchup. Hokies coach Brent Pry has avoided expressing his opinion on the series, which includes three more games in Norfolk over the next seven years.
"These contracts are made well in advance. I do not concern myself with things that are beyond my control," said Pry, who suffered a 20-17 defeat in his head coaching debut at Old Dominion two years ago.
"We must be a team that can go to Old Dominion and emerge victorious."
The Hokies are coming off a 31-14 win against Marshall, where Bhayshul Tuten rushed 22 times for 120 yards and a touchdown.
"He is a player who will have a long career in the NFL," Rahne praised. "He fits the mold of what the NFL is looking for right now."
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Old Dominion will also have to keep a close eye on quarterback Kyron Drones, who has completed 66.7% of his passes for 452 yards and three touchdowns. Drones is also a threat on the ground, having rushed for 818 yards and five touchdowns last season.
The Monarchs have had a frustrating start to their season, committing six turnovers. They let a fourth-quarter lead slip away in a 23-19 loss to South Carolina on August 31st, and then suffered a 20-14 defeat against East Carolina last Saturday.
Quarterback Grant Wilson, who has thrown for 2,538 yards and 19 touchdowns in the last two years, sustained an injury on the final play of last week's game against East Carolina.
Rahne did not provide any updates on Wilson's status, or that of All-American linebacker Jason Henderson, who led the nation in tackles (14.2 per game) last year. Henderson, who underwent knee surgery in the offseason, did not play in last week's game.
If Wilson is unable to play, Old Dominion will turn to either Boston College transfer Emmett Morehead or redshirt freshman Colton Joseph.