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To switch gears for a moment, let’s talk about FCS football. That’s right, Division 1-AA. Specifically, the Old Dominion Monarchs and how they’re 8-1 with decisive wins over nearly every team they’ve faced this season.
The Monarchs announced last season that they will be joining the C-USA officially for the 2015 season, and will become an FBS independent for the 2013-14 seasons, while playing a full C-USA schedule in 2014 as an independent.
The Monarchs are currently 8-1, (5-1 in the CAA). They are led by sophomore quarterback Taylor Heinicke who has thrown for 3510 yards on 275 completions in 403 attempts. He has 27 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
Heinicke set the NCAA Division I record for passing yards in a game when he threw for 730 yards against the New Hampshire Wildcats on September 22, and leads the FCS in total offense with 428 yards per game (individual).
Old Dominion as a team, leads the FCS in total offense averaging 564 yards per game, and are ranked 76 in total defense.
The Monarchs don’t just beat their FCS opponents, but they look good doing it.
The Monarchs are ranked No. 4 in the FCS and control their own destiny as playoffs approach. They are second in the CAA behind, ironically, No. 10 New Hampshire.
It appears to me that the Monarchs are ready for the FBS.
This is a jump that will take some time to develop. Obviously it is incredibly difficult for any team to go from FCS to FBS and be successful immediately, but I’m not so sure that this team couldn’t beat some current C-USA schools.
I understand that these statistics are coming against weaker defenses and weaker offenses, but I’m curious to see what happens next year when ODU faces some tougher teams. They’ll have their quarterback for two more years, and he already is showing star potential.
ODU is heading in the right direction. Give them a few years to allow recruiting to take effect and I think this is a team that will be right at home in the C-USA.
Follow Mike on Twitter at @MikeAtkinsonRS or visit his author page.
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