Why is ODU favored here? The Monarchs' season has gone down the drain with three straight defeats (albeit close) that have shut the door on bowl eligibility and left a bitter taste in Norfolk. The defense has routinely sagged when needed, while ODU has too often wasted a competent infantry gaining nearly 200 ypg. Note that Butch Jones has Ark State bowl eligible and an undefeated 5-0 at home this season, with dual-threat soph QB Jaylen Raynor off of 3 TD passes last week in the win at ULM. Play Arkansas State

Old Dominion is one of those what if teams in the Sun Belt along with Texas State. Not to the same level as the Bobcats who had high expectations, but with the way their games unfolded. The Monarchs have lost three straight games decided by eight points or fewer, they also had a close calls against South and Coastal Carolina. That happens when a freshman starts the majority of your games at quarterback like Colton Joseph. He should have advantageous spots Saturday against an Arkansas State team that plays bottom level defensively. Lay it with Old Dominion