In Week 5 of the 2025 college football season, the Liberty Flames are set to travel to Norfolk, VA, for a game against the Old Dominion Monarchs. The game will take place at S.B. Ballard Stadium with a kickoff scheduled for 6:00 PM. Fans can catch the action on ESPN+.
The Liberty Flames, representing Conference USA, come into the game with a 1-3 record. Their recent games haven’t been favorable, suffering defeats against James Madison, Bowling Green, and Jacksonville State. Despite starting their season with a victory over Maine, their road performance has been less than stellar, marked by a 0-2 record.
Old Dominion, part of the Sun Belt Conference, holds a 2-1 record this season. They have had a strong showing at home, evidenced by their decisive win against North Carolina Central. The Monarchs have also shown they can perform on the road, pulling off a win against Virginia Tech, but faced a setback against Indiana earlier in the season.
Old Dominion vs Liberty At a Glance
- Game Date and Time: Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 6:00 PM
- Location: S.B. Ballard Stadium, Norfolk, VA
- Broadcast Details: Available on ESPN+
- Liberty Flames Record: 1-3 overall, 0-2 on the road
- Old Dominion Monarchs Record: 2-1 overall, 1-0 at home
- Game Odds: Liberty +528 moneyline, Old Dominion -763 moneyline
Old Dominion Monarchs Set Sights on a Winning Streak Against Liberty Flames
Team Overview
The Old Dominion Monarchs are looking to continue their strong start to the 2025 season as they prepare to play against the Liberty Flames. With a record of 2-1, the Monarchs have demonstrated their capability to dominate both in offense and defense.
Notably, their last performance against Virginia Tech ended in a decisive 45-26 victory, showcasing their offensive potential and defensive resilience.
Offensive Insights
Offensively, Old Dominion has shown a balanced attack with 743 rushing yards, ranking 41st nationally. This ground game has been a cornerstone of their strategy, allowing them to control the pace and flow of their games.
Their passing game, though ranked 105th with 649 yards, remains a work in progress. Quarterback Colton Joseph has been a key player, contributing significantly to the team’s passing yards.
Defensive Standouts
Defensively, the Monarchs have been impressive with only 59 points against them, ranked 35th. The defense has been effective in applying pressure with 7 sacks, ranking them 11th in this category.
The Monarchs also rank highly in turnovers, with 3 interceptions and 4 fumbles recovered, showcasing their ability to capitalize on opponents’ mistakes.
Key Players
Colton Joseph, the standout quarterback, has accumulated 629 passing yards over three games, placing him as a leader in the team’s offensive efforts. Running back Trequan Jones has also been pivotal, amassing 264 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns.
On the receiving end, Na’eem Abdul-Rahim Gladding and Ja’Cory Thomas have been consistent targets, combining for over 300 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns.
Recent Performances
Old Dominion’s recent games include a commanding 54-6 win over North Carolina Central and a challenging 27-14 loss to Indiana. These games reflect the Monarchs’ potential when they execute their game plan effectively.
The win over Virginia Tech further solidified their reputation as a team capable of competing at a high level against more established programs.
Betting Trends
- ATS – All Games: 4-0 in the last 4 games
- O/U – Home Games: 4-0 in the last 4 games
- O/U – After Loss: 4-0 in the last 4 games
- ATS – Totals ≥ 50: 4-0 in the last 4 games
- ATS – As Underdog: 16-5 in the last 21 games
Liberty Flames Seek Redemption on the Road Against Old Dominion Monarchs
Old Dominion Monarchs: Offensive Overview
Old Dominion’s offensive unit has been a key area of focus this season. They have shown an ability to adapt and create scoring opportunities, though they will need to maintain consistency against Liberty’s defensive schemes.
The Monarchs will look to capitalize on Liberty’s defensive weaknesses, particularly focusing on their passing game to exploit potential gaps. This strategy could be pivotal in determining their success in the upcoming contest.
Key Players to Watch
The Monarchs rely on their quarterback to direct the offense and make critical plays. His ability to navigate the Flames’ defense will be essential in setting the tone early in the game.
Additionally, Old Dominion’s running back has been a standout performer, providing a balanced attack that keeps defenses guessing. His ability to break through Liberty’s defensive line will be crucial.
Defensive Outlook
On the defensive side, Old Dominion has emphasized pressure and turnovers, aiming to disrupt the opposing offense. Their defensive line will play a crucial role in limiting Liberty’s rushing yards.
Old Dominion’s secondary will be tasked with containing Liberty’s passing threats. Their ability to intercept and capitalize on mistakes could shift the momentum in their favor.
Recent Performance and Challenges
The Monarchs have faced some challenges in recent games, highlighting areas for improvement. Addressing these weaknesses will be essential in preparing for Liberty.
Consistency and discipline will be critical, as Old Dominion seeks to improve their record and make a statement against a resilient opponent.
Betting Trends
- Old Dominion is 4-6 against the spread in their last 10 games.
- The total has gone under in 5 of their last 7 games at home.
- They are 5-5 straight up in their last 10 games.
- Old Dominion has covered the spread in 3 of their last 5 games as underdogs.
- The Monarchs have seen the total go over in 3 of their last 4 games against Liberty.
Old Dominion vs Liberty Prediction: Over 51.5
Old Dominion has shown a strong offensive performance so far this season, ranking 43rd in points scored with 113 points over three games. Their recent game against Virginia Tech saw them scoring 45 points, indicating their capability to score high in games. Additionally, Old Dominion has consistently gone over in games with a total set at 50 or higher, going 5-1 in such situations.
Liberty, despite their 1-3 record, has not been shy in putting points on the board, with 78 points over four games. Although they have faced struggles on the road, their offense ranks 70th in points scored, which is respectable. The Flames’ defense has allowed 95 points this season, suggesting Old Dominion could take advantage and score substantially.
The head-to-head history between these two teams also suggests a leaning towards higher scores. In their most recent meeting at S.B. Ballard Stadium in 2022, the game totaled 62 points. Given the offensive trends and recent performances, the total of 51.5 seems attainable.
Considering the offensive abilities of both teams and Old Dominion’s strong home performances, this game is likely to hit the over. A projected final score of Old Dominion 38 – Liberty 27 supports this prediction, with both teams contributing to a high-scoring affair.
- Old Dominion vs Liberty Prediction: Over 51.5
- Old Dominion vs Liberty Score: Old Dominion 38 – Liberty 27
