Old Dominion travels to Monroe, LA this Saturday for its first-ever matchup with Louisiana–Monroe
Old Dominion travels to Monroe, LA this Saturday for its first-ever matchup with Louisiana–Monroe. The unfamiliarity between the programs adds a little unpredictability — and with both teams looking to shape their late-season identity, there’s real weight behind this one.
ODU enters 5–3 overall and 2–2 in Sun Belt play, while ULM sits at 3–5 and 1–3 in the conference. The Monarchs are trying to stack momentum and push closer to bowl eligibility, but they haven’t looked as sharp on the road. That’s where ULM may find its opportunity — at home, trying to snap a four-game slide and get back to the version of themselves they showed early in the year.
Old Dominion
Old Dominion enters this week off a 24–21 Homecoming win over App State — a needed response after two straight losses. The Monarchs are averaging 207.3 rushing yards per game, and when they stay balanced, this offense looks comfortable and efficient. Colton Joseph has thrown for around 2,000 yards this season, with 19 touchdowns and 9 interceptions, and last week he did what they needed most — protect the football and sustain drives. The run game, led by Kadarius Calloway and Keshawn Wicks, finally found rhythm again, and the offensive line held up well enough to finish possessions.
Defensively, ODU played to its identity. Jeremy Mack Jr. continued to anchor the unit, and the Monarchs held App State under 100 rushing yards while forcing two turnovers — key parts of closing the game out late. On the season, they’re allowing around 172 rushing yards per game, but they tightened up when it mattered last week, especially in short-yardage and end-of-game situations. Situational defense — third downs, red zone stops, and late-game execution — showed improvement.
The challenge is carrying that standard on the road. ODU hasn’t looked sharp away from Norfolk, with slower starts and missed opportunities popping up in hostile environments. If the Monarchs run the ball at their season pace, limit turnovers, and match last week’s discipline, they put themselves in a great positions. This week is about proving that momentum can travel — and stacking consistent football to stay on track toward postseason goals.
Louisiana–Monroe
ULM enters this week trying to stop a four-game skid. The Warhawks opened the season with a 29–0 shutout over Saint Francis, showing control and physicality early, but haven’t carried that momentum. Losses to Northwestern, Coastal Carolina, Troy, and Southern Miss dropped them, and they’re now fighting to steady things at home and stay competitive down the stretch.
The strength of this team is the run game. ULM averages 173.3 rushing yards per game, and when they establish it early, they can control tempo and keep themselves in games. But sustaining drives has been the challenge — stalled possessions, protection lapses, and turnovers have kept them from building rhythm. Aiden Armenta has flashed talent, but consistency has been difficult as the offense works through pressure and situational execution issues.
Defensively, ULM has struggled to hold up late in games. They’ve allowed 30-plus points in four straight, including 49 last week, with missed tackles and breakdowns in key moments creating problems. The effort is there, but the execution hasn’t matched. Still, being at home matters. If the Warhawks run the ball at their season pace and limit mistakes, they have the pieces to make this competitive — especially against an ODU team that’s still working to prove it can carry momentum on the road.
Matchup Outlook
The Monarchs appear to be settling back into themselves and enter with momentum and improved balance. But they haven’t been the same team on the road — and ULM’s run game and home environment give the Warhawks a path to make this competitive if they start fast and protect the ball.
For ULM, its straightforward: run it, control pace, avoid mistakes. For ODU, it’s about stacking disciplined, complete football and showing last week wasn’t just a home boost, but a step forward. Against a Warhawks team fighting to keep its season afloat, the margin remains thin — but the opportunity for ODU to take another step is there.
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