Georgia State faces Old Dominion in Sun Belt play as the ninth-ranked Monarchs aim for their final regular-season victory. Old Dominion arrives in Norfolk already bowl-eligible and riding a four-game winning streak, while the Panthers end their season with one of the toughest matchups on their schedule.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Kickoff: November 29, 2025 at 2:00 PM EST in Norfolk, Virginia
- Old Dominion enters with an 8-3 record and 5-2 conference mark, already clinched bowl eligibility
- Georgia State finishes their season with a 1-10 overall, 0-7 in conference
- Monarchs lead the all-time series 5-1 against the Panthers in their matchup
Old Dominion’s Dominant Season Takes Final Shape
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Old Dominion arrives at S.B. Ballard Stadium as one of college football’s hottest teams heading into the final week of the regular season. The Monarchs defeated Georgia Southern 45-10 last week in a dominant performance that showcased their championship-caliber defense and explosive rushing attack.
Quarterback Colton Joseph has been the engine driving Old Dominion’s success, leading the Sun Belt Conference in total offense. Against Georgia Southern, Joseph rushed for a career-high 189 yards and threw for 140 yards and a touchdown in the dominant victory. His dual-threat ability has made the Monarchs nearly impossible to stop on the ground.
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Old Dominion’s rushing attack continues to dominate the conference. The team rushed for a season-high 376 yards against Georgia Southern, their second-most in program history. The Monarchs rank second in the Sun Belt in rushing yards with 2,540 for the season, only 20 yards shy of the program record set in 2016.
Georgia State Faces Steep Challenge in Season Finale
Georgia State’s 1-10 season has been a struggle across the board, with the Panthers winless in conference play at 0-7. They arrive in Norfolk as massive underdogs, with oddsmakers favoring Old Dominion by 27.5 points in what appears to be a mismatch on paper.
The Panthers suffered a 31-19 loss to Troy last week, dropping their fifth consecutive defeat. Quarterback Christian Veilleux threw for 307 yards and a touchdown in the losing effort, showing flashes of competence despite the team’s overall struggles this season.
Georgia State does have some weapons to work with, including wide receiver Javon Robinson, who caught seven passes for 146 yards and a touchdown against Troy. However, overcoming a 27-point deficit against Old Dominion’s elite defense will prove nearly impossible.
Matchup Statistics and Team Records
| Team | Overall Record | Conference Record | Current Streak |
| Old Dominion | 8-3 | 5-2 Sun Belt | Won 4 |
| Georgia State | 1-10 | 0-7 Sun Belt | Lost 5 |
Old Dominion’s Defensive Dominance Sets the Tone
The Monarchs defense has been on a roll during their four-game winning streak, shutting down opponents with remarkable consistency. Old Dominion hasn’t allowed a first-quarter point during this entire stretch, a statistic that demonstrates defensive discipline and preparation.
Old Dominion leads the Sun Belt Conference in total defense, allowing just 335.8 yards per game. The defensive line has been particularly impressive, setting a school record with nine sacks in their win over Troy and adding two more against Georgia Southern. Safety Jerome Carter leads the team with four interceptions and 69 tackles.
The Monarchs defense ranks fifth in the nation in sacks with 34 total, while their offensive line allows just 15 sacks, ranking tied for 26th nationally. This combination makes Old Dominion a formidable opponent in every phase.
What Bowl Destination Awaits Old Dominion After Victory?
Old Dominion officially clinched bowl eligibility on November 1 with their 31-6 victory over ULM, becoming bowl-eligible in the earliest point in program history. The team also clinched their first winning season since 2016 with their dominant win over Troy two weeks ago.
The Monarchs’ bowl destination will be announced on Sunday, December 7, giving the team several weeks to prepare for their postseason matchup. A victory today would secure 9 wins on the season, putting Old Dominion in prime position for a favorable bowl placement.
Coach Ricky Rahne has built a competitive Sun Belt program that can compete with Power Five conferences. With Old Dominion already assured of bowl eligibility, today’s game represents a chance to build momentum heading into postseason play and send the seniors out with a dominant victory.
“It’s last regular season edition of The Ricky Rahne Coach’s Show as Old Dominion looks to close strong against Georgia State.”
— Eric Bohannon, ODU Sports Network
Sources
- ESPN – Game preview and schedules
- Old Dominion Athletics – Official team statistics and game preview
- Sun Belt Conference – Conference standings and championship information
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.