Let’s discuss this one. It’s one of those matchups where Old Dominion gets some reps and stays healthy for future games. But let’s break it down:
Indiana enters 2025 riding the wave of its breakout 11-2 season, and while replicating last year’s near fairy-tale run won’t be easy, the Hoosiers are built to dominate this matchup. They were not just good in 2024, they were dominant crushing opponents by 30+ points per game during their 9-0 start and proving they could hang with elite competition. This year’s roster turnover has been more reload than rebuild, thanks to aggressive portal work and an established culture on both sides of the ball.
The Hoosiers’ offense ranked #2 in the nation last season at 41 PPG, and even with new personnel, the ceiling remains sky-high. QB Fernando Mendoza steps in after a 3,000-yard season at Cal, and he inherits a lethal receiving corps in Elijah Sarratt, Omar Cooper Jr., and transfer Makai Jackson. Add in transfer RB Roman Hemby (22 career rushing TDs) behind a line returning four starters, and this unit looks more plug-and-play than most. Against an Old Dominion defense that finished #102 nationally in yardage allowed and now breaks in a nearly brand-new secondary, Indiana should have no problem moving the ball in chunks.
Last year’s Indiana defense was a brick wall, allowing just 15.6 PPG (#6 FBS) and leading the nation against the run (80 YPG). More importantly, the key playmakers are back, Aiden Fisher (118 tackles), sack artist Mikail Kamara (10 sacks), and lockdown CB D’Angelo Ponds. Old Dominion’s offense, while creative with dual-threat QB Colton Joseph, is short on proven playmakers at RB, WR, and TE after losing nearly all of its production. That is a nightmare scenario against Indiana’s physical front seven and sticky coverage unit.
Old Dominion’s strength lies in QB mobility and an experienced offensive line, but facing a defense this fast and disciplined neutralizes much of that edge. With a secondary in flux and a thin WR room, the Monarchs are unlikely to generate enough explosive plays to keep pace. Indiana’s depth, star power, and ability to score quickly should force ODU into uncomfortable passing situations, which favors the Hoosiers’ aggressive pass rush.
This is a mismatch in the trenches on both sides, and Indiana’s talent gap is simply too wide. Expect the Hoosiers’ offense to hit early and often while the defense suffocates an unproven Monarchs attack. Even if Old Dominion competes for a while, Indiana’s ability to roll waves of talent ensures they’ll separate as the game progresses.
Tough to gauge this game on last years statistics…but a great write up and most respect Dr. 
For me I have Old D in the top 2 in the Sun Belt East and its primarily on account of this defense, and in particular the bangers sitting at LB. I see a Hoosier squad starting slow, and ending happy to escape this one with an early Win…the Monarch’s are legitimate. I played Dominion +23.5 for pizza bet as I need to watch until week 3. 
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