The North Carolina Central Eagles are set to meet the Old Dominion Monarchs in Week 2 of the 2025 regular season. The game will take place at the S.B. Ballard Stadium in Norfolk, VA, and is scheduled for a 6:00 PM kickoff on Saturday, September 6th. Fans can catch all the action on ESPN+ as these teams aim to secure their first win of the season.
North Carolina Central enters this contest with an 0-1 record from the previous season. They faced a tough outing against the North Carolina Tar Heels in their last regular season appearance, falling 45-10. With no conference affiliations, the Eagles hope to improve their road performance after the early setback.
Old Dominion also comes into this game with an 0-1 record after a 27-14 defeat by the Indiana Hoosiers. The Monarchs, representing the Sun Belt Conference, will seek redemption on their home turf this time. They hold a distinct advantage with the odds favoring them at -1200 on the moneyline.
Old Dominion vs North Carolina Central At a Glance
- Game Date and Time: Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 6:00 PM
- Venue: S.B. Ballard Stadium in Norfolk, VA
- TV Channel: ESPN+
- Weather: Information not provided
- Odds: Old Dominion Moneyline -1200; North Carolina Central Moneyline +680
- Spread: Old Dominion -18.5; North Carolina Central +18.5
Old Dominion Monarchs Eye Redemption in Upcoming Game
Offensive Overview
The Old Dominion Monarchs have struggled offensively this season, ranking 121st in passing yards with just 96 yards accumulated in their opener against Indiana. Their ground game, however, has shown promise, ranking 36th nationally with 218 rushing yards. Despite these mixed results, they will need to improve their passing game to be more competitive.
Leading the charge in the air is quarterback Colton Joseph, who managed 96 yards in the opening game. His performance was marred by three interceptions, a factor that significantly impacted their ability to maintain offensive momentum. Improving his decision-making and accuracy will be key for the Monarchs moving forward.
Defensive Standouts
Defensively, Old Dominion has been more effective, ranking 20th in points against with 27 allowed in their first game. They demonstrated a knack for disrupting plays, recording one sack and recovering one fumble, both ranking in the top 10 nationally. This defensive solidity will be crucial as they look to balance their offense’s struggles.
While their interception count stands at zero, their ability to recover fumbles showcases their opportunistic approach to defense. They will need to maintain this intensity and capitalize on turnovers to give their offense more opportunities to score.
Key Players to Watch
Running back Maurki James is a player to watch, as he contributed 32 rushing yards in the opener. His ability to break through defenses could be vital in maintaining their offensive rhythm. Another key player is wide receiver Na’eem Abdul-Rahim Gladding, who recorded four receptions for 35 yards, showing potential as a reliable target.
On the defensive end, players like Trequan Jones, who had a notable performance in rushing and receiving, could make a significant impact. His versatility adds depth to their attack and offers a dual-threat option.
Team Betting Trends
- SU Last 3: 0-1 (0.0%)
- SU Last 5: 0-1 (0.0%)
- SU Last 10: 0-1 (0.0%)
- SU All Games: 0-1 (0.0%)
- SU as Underdog: 0-1 (0.0%)
- SU in Day Games: 0-1 (0.0%)
- SU in Away Games: 0-1 (0.0%)
Old Dominion will aim to leverage these insights as they prepare for their upcoming game against the North Carolina Central Eagles. Addressing their offensive shortcomings while building on their defensive strengths will be crucial in securing their first win of the season.
North Carolina Central Eagles: A Deep Dive into Their Upcoming Game
Offensive Struggles
The North Carolina Central Eagles have faced challenges on the offensive side this season. They rank 133rd in points scored, averaging just 10 points per game. Their passing attack has also struggled, with only 91 yards per game, placing them 200th in the rankings.
On the ground, the Eagles have managed 76 rushing yards per game, ranking 190th. Their difficulties in moving the chains are evident with only 16 first downs, which puts them 113th overall. The offense will need to improve significantly to compete effectively in upcoming games.
Defensive Insights
Defensively, the Eagles have shown some strong points. They are ranked 17th in points against, allowing 45 points in their recent game. However, the defense has not recorded any sacks, which places them 46th in that category.
Despite their struggles in pressuring the quarterback, North Carolina Central’s defense has been successful in other areas. They rank 1st in interceptions, showing their ability to disrupt the opposing team’s passing game. Additionally, they rank 16th in fumbles recovered, which can be a game-changer in tight contests.
Quarterback Performance
Walker Harris, the team’s starting quarterback, has had a challenging start to the season. In one game, he has thrown for 88 yards, ranking 364th. He has not yet thrown a touchdown pass, which is a key area for improvement.
Backup quarterbacks Javion Martin and Quest Powell have also seen limited action. Martin threw for -1 yard and one interception in his appearance, while Powell added 4 yards. With these performances, the Eagles will need a more consistent and productive passing game moving forward.
Running Back and Wide Receiver Contributions
J’Mari Taylor has been the standout in the running back group, rushing for 46 yards and scoring one touchdown. Aleni Mageo and Chris Mosley contributed with 5 and 4 yards respectively. The running game is an area where the Eagles will need more production.
Among the wide receivers, Chance Peterson has been a reliable target with five receptions and 60 yards. Joaquin Davis, Chauncey Spikes, and Nasim Cosby have each added a reception, but the overall passing attack needs to be more dynamic.
Team Betting Trends
- North Carolina Central is 0-1 against the spread in their last game.
- The Eagles have not covered the spread in their recent away game.
- North Carolina Central’s games have gone over the total in their last matchup.
Old Dominion vs North Carolina Central Prediction: Old Dominion -18.5
Old Dominion takes on North Carolina Central at home in S.B. Ballard Stadium, aiming to secure their first win of the season. The Monarchs are a heavy favorite with a spread of -18.5, reflecting their stronger overall team stats and experience in a more competitive conference. Given North Carolina Central’s struggling offense, which ranked 133rd in points for last season, Old Dominion should dominate.
Old Dominion’s offensive line will be crucial in this game, as they have shown solid rushing capabilities with 218 yards already in the season. On the defensive side, Old Dominion allowed 27 points in their last outing but should perform better against a North Carolina Central team that managed only 10 points in their opener. With these factors in mind, the spread of -18.5 looks achievable for Old Dominion.
North Carolina Central’s defense struggled significantly last season, allowing 45 points on average, which ranks them 17th in the nation. Facing Old Dominion, who shows promise in both rushing and passing, makes it difficult to see the Eagles covering the spread. The combination of Old Dominion’s offensive potential and North Carolina Central’s defensive lapses favors the Monarchs heavily.
Projected final score: Old Dominion 42 – North Carolina Central 14. This prediction reflects Old Dominion’s ability to exploit North Carolina Central’s weaknesses and cover the spread comfortably at home.
- Old Dominion vs North Carolina Central Prediction: Old Dominion -18.5
- Old Dominion vs North Carolina Central Score: Old Dominion 42 – North Carolina Central 14
