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

How will Old Dominion football fare in 2020?

The good news about the 2020 season for the Monarchs is they are good enough to win more than one game. The bad news is it might only be another win or two.

Without stability at quarterback, it is going to be hard for Old Dominion to take advantage of some bad defenses in Conference USA.

Here is a look at their schedule this season:

• Sept. 4: vs. Wake Forest (L) — The Monarchs are not ready to upset a Power Five team like they did Virginia Tech a couple of years ago.
• Sept. 12: vs. Hampton (W) — They held on to beat Norfolk State and both teams won five games last season. They might have to hold on to beat Hampton as well.
• Sept. 19: vs. FIU (L) — Could be a 50/50 game because the Panthers lose Jame Morgan at quarterback to the NFL. Their QB1 situation is still better than Old Dominion.
• Sept. 26: vs. Middle Tennessee (W) — This is a 50/50 game, but MTSU is bad on defense and ODU is good. Also, the Blue Raiders lost their leading receiver to graduation.
• Oct. 3: at UConn (W) — The Huskies are one of the worst — if not the worst — programs in the FBS. Old Dominion is not quite that bad.
• Oct. 17: at UTSA (L) — Could be a 50/50 game as well. This one goes to the Roadrunners since both their quarterback and leading rusher return.
• Oct. 24: vs. Virginia (L) — Closer than the experts think since the Cavaliers lose their offensive identity without Bryce Perkins.
• Oct. 31: at Western Kentucky (L) — The Monarchs are not ready to compete with the top of Conference USA even without defending Ty Storey.
• Nov. 7: vs. UAB (L) — The Blazers return three of their four leading rushers and their starting quarterback from last year in addition to a defense that gave up less than 25 points per game.
• Nov. 14: at Charlotte (L) — The 49ers return their quarterback from last year who is also their returning leading rusher. This is a 50/50 game, but the Monarchs won’t be able to take full advantage of Charlotte’s porous defense.
• Nov. 21: at FAU (L): The Owls are the best team in the conference and will continue to be with Willie Taggart.
• Nov. 28: vs. Marshall (L) — The Thundering Herd return their starting backfield and though their defense is young, it’s also talented.

Prediction: 3-9 (1-8 Conference USA)

There are going to be some bright spots in Ricky Rahne’s first season. They are going to be close in a lot of games because of their defense. However, in their 50/50 games, the Monarchs’ offense won’t be good enough to take advantage of some bad Conference USA defenses.