Old Dominion vs Georgia Southern prediction and analysis

Old Dominion Monarchs vs Georgia Southern Eagles Overview

This Week 13 Sun Belt matchup features the Old Dominion Monarchs traveling to face the Georgia Southern Eagles. Both teams have shown distinct strengths and weaknesses this season, setting the stage for an intriguing battle. Key players like Old Dominion’s OJ Arnold and Trequan Jones have made significant impacts on the ground, while Georgia Southern has struggled defensively.

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Key Player and Team Statistics

• OJ Arnold leads the Sun Belt in rushing yards with 884 yards, making him a critical threat for Old Dominion’s offense.
• Trequan Jones boasts an impressive 8.1 yards per carry, ranking 3rd among qualified players in the conference.
• Georgia Southern’s Defense ranks near the bottom nationally, allowing 465.9 yards per game (134th among FBS teams).
• Georgia Southern also ranks 132nd in FBS for first-quarter opponent points allowed, conceding nearly 10 points early on per game.
• Old Dominion is very effective in red zone offense, sitting 9th nationally with a conversion rate of 71.9%.
• Old Dominion also shows prowess in opening quarters, averaging a +6.6 point differential in the first quarter (10th in FBS).

Matchup Analysis

Old Dominion’s ground game, led by Arnold and Jones, will likely pose a big challenge for Georgia Southern’s struggling defense, especially given the Eagles’ susceptibility to yielding yards and points early. Georgia Southern’s defense has difficulty limiting opponents both in total yards and in the crucial opening moments of games, which may allow Old Dominion to start strong and build momentum.

Moreover, Old Dominion’s efficiency in the red zone suggests a high likelihood of capitalizing on offensive opportunities once they penetrate scoring territory. This ability to turn drives into points could create a separation in the scoreline.

Georgia Southern, meanwhile, will need to find ways to tighten their defense and reduce big plays if they hope to keep pace. Without significant adjustments, their defense’s low rankings indicate a tough time handling the Monarchs’ rushing attack.

Prediction Summary

Given Old Dominion‘s potent rushing attack, high red zone efficiency, and strong starts combined with Georgia Southern’s defensive weaknesses, the Monarchs have a clear edge in this matchup. Expect Old Dominion to control the line of scrimmage and put up enough points early to dictate the pace. Georgia Southern may struggle to match the scoring, especially if the Monarchs’ ground game dominates.

Final Prediction

Old Dominion Monarchs win with a comfortable margin, likely by 14 points or more.