Greetings Lion fans. The staff here at The Wire enjoyed the week off, we were able to watch this week’s opponent, Old Dominion, as well the rest of the Southland Conference, but now it’s back to work.

This week will certainly be the Lions biggest challenge of the 2023 season. When the 2023 season was broken down earlier this summer, it was agreed that this four-game stretch to begin this edition of Lion football would be the most brutal in recent memory. So far, that has proven to be the case. As of this past week, Sacramento State jumped to #2 in the FCS rankings, and UC-Davis, who the Lions played in week 1, moved to #14. A key Southland opponent in UIW moved up a spot to #8. Next week’s for, Stephen F. Austin, has made their first appearance in the rankings at #25. So, to say the Lions have had arguably the toughest schedule in the country would most certainly be an understatement.

There’s certainly no sympathy for the Lions, nor any rest for the weary, so let’s dive right into the matchup with Old Dominion this week..

OVERALL:

Monarch Offense:

Points: 26.3 ppg

Rushing: 137.7 ypg

Passing: 191.3 ypg

Total: 329.0

Turnovers: 5

Blue Gang Defense:

Points: 41.0 ppg

Rushing : 295.0 ypg

Passing: 221.0 ypg

Total: 516.0 ypg

Turnovers: 5

Two words describe the Monarch offense. Fast and explosive. Averaging over 15 yards per pass attempt, Old Dominion has two scoring plays of over 60 yards. The running game averages almost 4 yards per attempt, with three different backs well over 4 yards per rush. If there is an Achilles Heel to this offense, it is that the Monarchs tend to turn the ball over at inopportune times. The Lions have had a knack so far this season for getting the early turnover, and this will certainly be a must if they are to have any success.

At first glance, averaging over 500 yards total offense and close to 300 yards passing per game would hardly qualify as Blue Gang worthy numbers, but dig a little deeper and watch closely, and the defense would be much better than it seems. The Lions current offensive struggles have often left the defense on the field for long stretches in addition to facing some of the best offensive talent in the country. It is certainly no different for the Lions this week, as explosive as the Monarch offense is.

The key will be turnovers and weather. a tropical storm looks to move into the Norfolk area this weekend, and plenty of rain and wind could certainly be a factor that makes things a little more equal.

UP FRONT/TALE OF THE TAPE:

Monarch Offensive Line: 6’4″ 293 lbs.

Blue Gang Front 6: 6’1″ 242 lbs.

The Monarch offensive line is big, athletic, and a good blend of youth and experience. They are led by senior Leroy Thomas (6’3″ 292 lbs.). He is joined by a pair of juniors, Xavier Black (6’4″ 295 lbs.) and Santana Saunders (6’5″ 291 lbs.). The line is rounded out by redshirt sophomore Stephen Dubose-Bourne (6’4″ 305 lbs.) and Chris Adams (6’6″ 286 lbs.). They have allowed just four sacks through 3 games so far.

The Lion defensive front continues to be led by senior Levi Drake Rodriguez (6’3″ 245 lbs.). Juniors Warren Robinson (6’3″ 245 lbs.), Leon Young (5′ 11″ 250 lbs.) and Clifford Funderburk (6’3″ 238 lbs.) comprise the rest of the defensive line.

A pleasant surprise so far this year has been the play of the Lion linebackers, junior Darryle Ware (6’2″ 218 lbs.), and Kyree Anderson (5’11” 215 lbs.) who have done an admirable job in their first year starting.

MOVERS AND SHAKERS/THE BACK LINE:

Monarch Movers and Shakers: 6’0″ 183 lbs.

Blue Gang Back Line: 5’10” 173 lbs.

The Monarchs are quarterbacked by junior Grant Wilson (6’3″ 217 lbs.), a Fordham transfer, who is 37-70, for an average of 191.3 yards per game, 7 touchdowns, and a long of 68 yards. He also has 132 yards in 38 rushing attempts, with 1 touchdown, and a long of 25 yards. Wilson has a strong, accurate arm, and is mobile enough to, while maybe not threatening a defense running, is enough to escape pressure and extend plays.

Redshirt junior Keshawn Wilks (6’1″ 194 lbs.) leads the Monarch rushers with 211 yards on 42 carries. Freshman Devin Roche (5’7″ 166 lbs.) has 120 yards on 13 attempts, with a long of 37. Although not having any rushing touchdowns other than the Grant Wilson score, Old Dominion running backs are averaging over 4 yards per carry, which makes the play calling much easier.

The big play capability of the Old Dominion lies in their receivers. They are a group that makes fans think, “Boom goes the dynamite”. They are led by junior Jason Harvey (6’0″ 178 lbs.) who has just three catches, but those catches add up to 166 yards, 1 touchdown, and a long of 66. Sophomore Raymello Murphy (6’0″ 185 lbs.) has 4 catches for 113 yards a pair of touchdowns, and a long of 61. Junior Isiah Page (5’8″ 161 lbs.) has 8 catches for 90 yards and a long of 25.

The Lion secondary is led by junior Max Epps (5’11” 182 lbs.), who has 16 tackles (8 solo), senior Dariyon Taylor (5″10″ 160 lbs.) who has 15 tackles (11 solo), and junior Jordan Polk (6’0″ 182 lbs.), who has 12 tackles (10 solo). They are joined by sophomores Kendall Paul (5’9″ 161 lbs.) , and Christian Shaw (5’10” 184 lbs.)

For the Blue Gang back line, it has been a tale of two halves. So far in 2023, they have had their struggles in the first halves of games. only to make adjustments at half time and fare far better in the second half. This is the week to put those two halves together.

VERY SPECIAL, INDEED: The Monarchs do not show any punt returns as of yet, but ther have a very explosive kick return game led by junior James Lamaeron (5’10” 187 lbs.), who has 9 returns for a 23-yard average, with a long of 41 yards.

If we had to select an MVP for this season, The Wire’s vote would be for junior punter Mitchell McGarry (6’4″ 218 lbs.) who averages 40.3 yards on 13 punts. Senior Emmanual Adagbon (5’10” 202 lbs.) has been perfect so far, connecting on his only field goal attempts from 39 yards and is 1 of 1 on extra points.

THE LIONS WIN THIS MATCHUP IF: We know. Believe me, we know. Old Dominion is bigger, faster, stronger, and deeper in talent, and have faced better competition than the Lions There are, however, a couple of factors to keep an eye on. So, as the Jim Carrey quote in the classic comedy, Dumb and Dumber, goes: “ So You’re sayin’ there’s a chance….”

First, an oncoming tropical storm is predicted to make games conditions not so good. The wind and rain stand to be a great equalizer. Second, the turnover bug has tended to bite Old Dominion, and wet conditions certainly are no help.

So, if the Lions are able to withstand the early onslaught from the Monarchs, and are able to force some turnovers, and cash them in, they have an opportunity to pull one off.

Have faith, Lion fans. The tools are all there. They have talented backs and receivers, along with a strong-armed quarterback. They also have a solid defense and showed significant improvement from the opener. They just need to find one thing to go right and bring it all together. Now, can they find this weekend in Virginia?

We’ll see you Saturday.