Norfolk State at Old Dominion

The decisive matchup should be Old Dominion’s offensive front and backfield against Norfolk State’s front. Devin Roche remains on the Monarchs’ roster after rushing for 634 yards and four touchdowns last season, giving the offense a proven source of production regardless of who takes the first quarterback snap. When Norfolk State has the ball, its protection must account for Jeremy Mack Jr. and Jackson Forrest. Mack produced 75 tackles, 5.5 sacks and 10 tackles for loss in 2025; Forrest added 52 tackles, 4.5 sacks and seven tackles for loss. Their ability to disrupt early downs could shape the entire evening.

Old Dominion’s cleanest route to control is to establish Roche and the run game, keep its eventual quarterback out of obvious passing situations and let Mack and Forrest attack long-yardage downs. Sustained drives would also limit the possessions Norfolk State has to take control. For the Spartans, the formula is less about matching roster names than dictating the conditions: win field position, generate negative plays before third down, protect the football and prevent Old Dominion from turning short completions or routine runs into explosives. If Norfolk State can force the Monarchs’ new pieces to execute patiently across long drives, the pressure shifts squarely onto the home side.