Old Dominion Football: Ricky Rahne takes reins in 2020, aiming for turnaround

Defense could keep Old Dominion in games in 2020

Unlike the offense, the defense just might keep the Monarchs is some games this season. The Monarchs were 79th scoring defense but finished 46th in total defense. Old Dominion’s scoring defense would be better if the offense could hold on to the football longer.

The defense returns nine of their top 11 tacklers to a group that might not have any superstars but is loaded with a lot of good solid blue-collar football players. If there’s any positive that can be had this season, it’s the fact that Ricky Rahne and his staff don’t have to worry a lot about the defense.

Two of their most important returning starters are senior linebacker Lawrence Garner who led the team with 110 total tackles last season and junior defensive end Keion White who led the team with an astounding 19.5 tackles for loss last season good for seventh in the country last season.

If there is any weakness in their front-seven, it’s the pass rush. They did not have a player register at least five sacks last season finishing 111th in the country with only 17 sacks. Chase Young had almost as many sacks by himself.

They are going to be a bit young in their secondary, but they are deep and that will help. If the offense can show any improvement, they could be good enough defensively to pull off an upset or two.