After a 45-37 defeat against Coastal Carolina, the ODU Monarchs are concluding a three-game road series and are set to play against the Georgia State Panthers this weekend. Georgia State, which recently lost to Georgia Southern with a score of 38-21, gives ODU the chance to improve its record by winning against a team from the Sun Belt Conference.
The recent game against the Chanticleers showcased the emergence of Freshman Quarterback Colton Joseph, who filled in for the injured Grant Wilson. Joseph’s performance was notable, throwing for 262 yards, and completing 22 of 40 passes, including three touchdown passes and one interception. Additionally, he displayed his prowess in advancing the ball downfield through the air and contributed 68 yards and a rushing touchdown in the run game. This display of skill and composure signifies Joseph’s growth as a QB, having already participated in two previous games this season.
Although the previous game ended in a loss for the Monarchs, it unveiled the potential of their future quarterback in Joseph. Furthermore, the team may have discovered another key player in Freshman Running Back, Devin Roche. With an increased 12 touch attempts, Roche gained 86 yards and secured the first touchdown of his collegiate career. These two promising players could significantly impact Old Dominion’s future, particularly against a Georgia State defense that concedes an average of 31.5 points per game.
While these emerging talents may shape the future of ODU’s offense, the team’s defensive prowess has been pivotal this season, particularly the Monarchs’ Linebacker corps. The collective group has amassed 116 tackles, with Sophomores Koa Naotala, Mario Thompson, and Jahleel Culbreath making significant contributions. Their ability to control the middle of the field and disrupt Georgia State’s Junior QB Christian Veilleux will be instrumental in the upcoming game.
Georgia State’s offensive strategy has predominantly revolved around passing the ball, often targeting Junior Wide receiver Ted Hurst. Despite being limited to 2 receptions and 26 yards in the previous game against Georgia Southern, Hurst’s impact on the team’s offense this season remains substantial. Conversely, the team’s defensive struggles, allowing an average of 421.2 yards per game and 17 total touchdowns over four games, have necessitated their offense to compensate and strive for scoring opportunities.
Notably, Georgia State’s victories this season have been narrow, while their losses have been by double digits. The team is expected to adopt a strategic approach, relying on their defense to contain the Monarchs’ offense, which previously secured 37 points and 462 total yards.
Key Players to Watch:
Old Dominion:
The Monarch receiving core has seen multiple receivers step in and break off huge plays for the offense throughout the season. However, for this game against the Panthers, fans should watch out for Senior wideout Isiah Paige, who is coming off his second-best performance of the season, hauling in 8 receptions for 81 yards with a 55-yard touchdown. Paige leads the team in receptions and receiving yards for the Monarchs and could continue to see frequent targets in this upcoming matchup.
On the other side of the ball, the Monarchs’ defense has struggled to sack the quarterback this season, with sophomore linebacker Mario Thompson, who has two sacks, leading the way. While the Monarchs haven’t gotten the quarterback on the ground, Thompson’s ability to put pressure on the opposition’s offense and being second in total tackles (41) will be a major presence for the Monarch defense in their game against the Panthers.
Georgia State:
For the Panthers to succeed against the Monarchs revolves around their Junior Quarterback, Christian Veilleux, standing at 6 foot 5. His towering stature allows him to stand in the pocket and deliver strikes down the field. Through 4 games, he has 1,073 passing yards, a 60% completion percentage, with eight touchdowns and four interceptions. The Panthers will rely on their quarterback to move the ball and lead their offense to a win.
On the defensive side, the Panther’s Senior Linebacker Kevin Swint leads the team in sacks with four. His ability to sack the quarterback so far will be tremendous against the Monarchs, who have allowed 20 sacks so far this season and have suffered to protect any Quarterback who lines up under center.
Game Time Coverage
The game is scheduled to take place at Center Park Stadium, GA, and television coverage on ESPN+ will begin at 3:30 p.m.
