The Virginia football team is gearing up for its first season under coach Tony Elliott and kickoff is approaching fast. The Hoos’ third game of the season features out of conference opponent Old Dominion University. Just three years ago, these teams battled it out resulting in a UVA victory. In their first season in the Sun Belt Conference, the Monarchs are facing their toughest schedule yet and Virginia hopes to keep their undefeated record against ODU.

Let’s take a closer look at the third game of the 2022 schedule. 

Old Dominion Monarchs

• Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022 – 4 p.m.
• Scott Stadium, Charlottesville, VA (Natural Grass)
• 2021 Record: 6-7
• Coach Ricky Rahne, 2nd Season
• Last Bowl Appearance: 2021 Myrtle Beach Bowl (L)
• Key Returning Players: Blake Watson (RB), Zack Kuntz (TE), R’Tarriun Johnson (S)

What To Expect On Gameday

What’s to Like? ODU has experience with 19 of 22 starters returning for the 2022 season, one of the most in the country. Key players Blake Watson and Zack Kuntz will return on the offensive side of the ball. Watson, a running back, led his team with 215 carries for 1,112 yards and 8 touchdowns last season. Kuntz led the Monarchs and was second in the country among tight ends with 73 receptions, earning him First-Team All-Conference USA recognition. These returners put the Monarchs in a much better position than seasons past. Since the hiring of Ricky Rahne in 2019, this team has been on the up and up, advancing to a bowl game and improving from a 1-11 to 6-7 record in just one season. The newest hire for ODU – Offensive Coordinator Dave Patenaude – is a huge asset with 40 years of experience. His previous Georgia Tech offensive put up 40 points against the Hoos just last season. It will be interesting to see if his offense will transition smoothly to his new team. 

What’s Not to Like? Though the Monarchs have many returning starters, their defense will be lacking two key players from the 2021 season. Linebacker Jordan Young, now pursuing a career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, was the school’s all-time leader in tackles and was a leader on the defensive side of the ball. Graduate Joe Joe Headen finished his career with 21 pass break-ups. Both players are major losses for this Old Dominion team. The transition from Conference USA to the Sun Belt will not be an easy one. The Monarchs are up against the hardest schedule in school history, and, as of their Spring Game, more than 12 players on the two-deep depth chart were out due to injuries. Beginning their already tough season with injury may not fare well for the Monarchs.

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