Starting in Fall 2009, Old Dominion University will embark on its first season as a Division I-AA football program. This article is the fourth in a series of 11 that will preview ODU’s opponents.

     Monmouth University at a glance:
     Location: West Long Branch, NJ
     Enrollment: 6, 000
     Nickname: Hawks
     Conference: Northeastern Conference Notable Alumni: (Christie Rampone, Captain: USA Women’s soccer)

     History of the program:
     Monmouth University has been one of the most successful Division I-AA mid-major schools in history. Kevin Callahan, Monmouth’s first and only coach in 16 years of play, has amassed an incredible 94-66 record and led the school to its first ever football national championship in 2004. In 2007, MU led the Northeastern Conference in passing yardage and turnover differential at plus 19.

     The current state of things:
     Callahan leads an experienced group to the gridiron this season, amassing a 5-4 record with two games left on their schedule. Senior quarterback Brett Burke already passed for more than 1,200 yards and 10 touchdowns this season, while senior running back David Sinisi plows through the record books, having gained more than 1,400 yards this season.
     This sort of versatility is just one reason Monmouth has become a force to be reckoned with in the DI-AA mid-major subdivision.
     Unfortunately for MU, the defense does not play with the same proficiency as the offense.
     Thus far, they have allowed 27 touchdowns (as compared to 31 scored by their offense) and are minus three in turnover ratio.
     This is especially disturbing because six of the 11 starters on defense are seniors, meaning next season’s
crew will be young and inexperienced.

     What to expect:
     When MU arrives at Foreman Field next fall, the crowd can expect to see a balanced attack, relying heavily on two inexperienced seniors to run the show. Quarterback Andrew Mandeville. a dual-threat quarterback, and shifty running back Bobby Giles will be thrown into the fire of starting jobs, both with little statistical evidence of success.
     Playing behind a young offensive line (four of the five starters on the line in 2008 are seniors) could pose as a nightmare for these two players.
     However, with a full offseason to work and an intricate knowledge of the system, Mandeville and Giles could surprise and keep MU competitive.
     If the Monarchs can get consistent pressure on Mandeville and take away that part of the offense, it might be up to Giles to carry the load on offense.
     Offensively, the Monarchs should be able to pass at will on this defense, as their secondary had trouble picking off passes and preventing teams from getting into the red zone.
     If a player like Jamar Parham or Nick Mayers can get out into the open field, it could spell doom for MU’s defense.

arastogi@maceandcrown.com