Virginia Football Game Preview: Hoos Look To Bounce Back Vs. ODU

Virginia
Virginia hosts Old Dominion at Scott Stadium on Saturday. ~ Photo courtesy Virginia Athletics Media Relations

After its loss to Illinois, the Virginia football team can not underestimate its next opponent. The Old Dominion Monarchs (1-1) are no stranger to pulling off upsets, more specifically against Virginia Tech. The Monarchs are 2-12 all-time against Power 5 opponents, with the Hokies falling victim in 2018 and Week 1 of 2022.

For the Cavaliers, they have squared off with the Monarchs one time: a 28-17 win for the Hoos in 2019. The Hoos trailed 17-0 in that game before rallying. They will meet once again at 2 p.m. on Saturday at Scott Stadium on the ACC Network.

It would bode well for Ricky Rahne and ODU if they pull off wins against the top teams in their state. With the Hoos scrambling for answers and tougher games ahead, they cannot drop back-to-back games so early in the year. Let’s take a closer look at the in-state bout ahead.

What Virginia Learned From Week 2

Offensive Line Troubles

The offense struggled to really do any damage against the Illinois defense. It was known that Bret Bielema’s team was going to play physically on both sides of the ball, but Brennan Armstrong and Co. were overwhelmed. This was mostly due to the offensive line’s inability to protect Armstrong, who was sacked 5 times, and the Illini recorded 6 QB hurries too.

...