NFL Tickets
Game Time: Saturday, Nov. 28, 4:00 p.m. ET
Arena: Stuart Siegel Center, Richmond, Va.
With matching 3-2 records, the Old Dominion Monarchs and the VCU Rams have both disappointed to start the season. When the two face off on Saturday at VCU, one of these teams will take a step towards redemption, while the other edges deeper into disappointment.
The Rams have won easily against the weak opposition that they have faced this season, but have struggled against elite opponents in the Duke Blue Devils and above average opponents in the Wisconsin Badgers. Melvin Johnson has been electrifying for VCU, but the talented senior cannot continue to do everything on the offensive end by himself, as evidenced by both of the team’s close losses.
Old Dominion was picked to finish second in Conference USA in the preseason media poll, but were blown out by the Purdue Boilermakers and lost a close one to the St. Joseph’s Hawks. The Purdue loss was understandable, but they should have beaten St. Joe’s. A win over the Rams could instantly give the Monarchs a much-needed momentum boost as they push towards the more manageable portion of their remaining schedule.
VCU is one of the most underrated teams in the country, and I expect the Rams to get an easy win at home over ODU. Old Dominion has what it takes to succeed in conference play and make the 2016 NCAA tournament, but their recent slump will not be broken on Saturday. Watch for Johnson to put up ridiculous numbers yet again, and VCU will easily cruise to a much-needed victory over a quality opponent.
Prediction: VCU 72, Old Dominion 62
Taylor Sturm is a Featured Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @TSturmRS, like him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
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