Old Dominion is looking to get their third win of the season when they host the Liberty Flames this Saturday.
The Liberty Flames will travel to S.B. Ballard Stadium in Norfolk Virginia to battle the Old Dominion Monarchs for the title of “best FBS team in Virginia.” The game will start at 6PM on Oct. 1 and can be viewed on ESPN+.
Saturday’s game will be the fourth time the Monarch’s have played Liberty in school-history. The Flames won the last two matchups, in 2021 and 2018, by 25+ points. Old Dominion won the first tussle in 2013, 21-17.
S.B. Ballard Stadium has a max capacity of 21,944 and has already had one sellout game this season. Old Dominion reported that they increased season ticket sales by 72% this season, having sold 12,000 tickets before the season started.
Old Dominion started their season off with an epic win against Virginia Tech. Since that game, they have brought their record to a balanced 2-2. The Monarchs finished last season 6-7 after starting 1-6, went 1-11 in 2019, and did not play in 2020.
This past Saturday, the Monarchs beat Arkansas State at home after going down 12-0 in the first half. Old Dominion scored 21 points in the third quarter and finished the game with a 29-26 victory.
Old Dominion head coach Ricky Rahne is going into his second season on the field with the Monarchs. Last season, Rahne led the team to its’ first bowl game since 2016. Rahne’s previous position was with Penn State as their offensive coordinator.
Old Dominion has found much more success in passing than they have in their running game so far in 2022. This season, the Monarchs have gained 239 yards through rushing and 954 through passing.
The Monarchs rely heavily on two main receivers who are discussed more below. Out of the 7 passing touchdowns Old Dominion has scored this season, Ali Jennings accounts for five and Zach Kuntz accounts for two.
Three Players to Watch For
WR #0 – Ali Jennings III has already had 24 receptions, 559 yards, and 5 touchdowns between four games this season. Jennings is by far the Monarchs’ biggest offensive asset and has already had a 77-yard reception this season.
TE #80 – Zach Kuntz was originally recruited to play for Penn State, but after a season there, he followed Coach Rahne to Old Dominion. Kuntz is a physical tight end and has had 11 receptions for 141 yards and two touchdowns this season.
LB #42 – Jason Henderson leads the Monarchs in tackles this season. Henderson has 63 tackles, 15 of those solo, and 0.5 sacks. Henderson and his fellow linebackers will likely give the Flames offense trouble this Saturday.
Upcoming Games
Oct. 1 – Old Dominion vs Liberty
Oct. 15 – Old Dominion @ Coastal Carolina
Oct. 22 – Old Dominion vs GA Southern
