Georgia Southern Eagles vs. Old Dominion Monarchs: College Football Preview and Predictions for October 24, 2024

The Georgia Southern Eagles and the Old Dominion Monarchs are set to face off in a crucial college football matchup on October 24, 2024, at Kornblau Field at S.B. Ballard Stadium in Norfolk, Virginia. This game features the top two teams in the Sun Belt East division, with significant implications for conference standings.

Georgia Southern, currently 5-2 overall and 3-0 in conference play, has had a strong season despite losses to heavy hitters like Boise State and Ole Miss. The Eagles have shown resilience, winning games as underdogs, including a 17-point victory over Georgia State and a two-touchdown win over James Madison.

Old Dominion, with a record of 3-4 overall and 2-1 in conference, has been improving as the season progresses. The Monarchs have secured back-to-back wins against Georgia State and Texas State, and their loss to South Carolina early in the season was a close 23-9 margin. This suggests that Old Dominion might be a more formidable team than their record indicates.

In terms of team statistics, Georgia Southern is led by quarterback JC French, who has thrown for 1,531 yards with 10 touchdowns and 5 interceptions. The Eagles’ rushing game, however, has been less impressive, ranking 95th in the nation. On the other hand, Old Dominion’s offense is highlighted by its efficient rushing, averaging 175 yards per game, which could be a key factor against Georgia Southern’s vulnerable run defense.

The defensive matchup is also noteworthy, with Old Dominion’s defense averaging over two sacks and one and a third interceptions per game. Despite Old Dominion’s passing offense being ranked 126th in the nation, Georgia Southern’s 117th-ranked pass defense may not pose a significant challenge.

The game is scheduled to kick off at 7:00 PM EDT and will be broadcast on ESPN2. Betting odds have Old Dominion as a slight favorite, with the spread set at -1 point for the Monarchs.

Given the statistical matchups and recent performances, the game is expected to be closely contested, with Old Dominion’s rushing offense potentially being the deciding factor.