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Bahamas Bowl, Eastern Michigan vs Old Dominion: Preview and predictions

By Nathaniel Reeves

Sep 17, 2016; Raleigh, NC, USA; Old Dominion Monarchs wide receiver Zach Pascal (6) scores a touchdown during the second half against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Carter Finley Stadium. The Wolfpack won 49-22. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2016; Raleigh, NC, USA; Old Dominion Monarchs wide receiver Zach Pascal (6) scores a touchdown during the second half against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Carter Finley Stadium. The Wolfpack won 49-22. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Previewing Friday’s 2016 Bahamas Bowl between the Eastern Michigan Eagles and Old Dominion Monarchs.

A pair of programs will look for a landmark postseason victory when the Eastern Michigan Eagles take on the Old Dominion Monarchs in the 2016 Bahamas Bowl on Friday afternoon at Thomas Robinson Stadium.

Eastern Michigan qualified for its first bowl game since 1987 with a 7-5 campaign under third year head coach Chris Creighton. The Eagles went 4-4 in MAC play, earning solid wins over Ohio and Central Michigan along the way.

Running back Ian Eriksen was the most effective player on the Eastern Michigan offense, but is questionable to play on Friday due to an unspecified injury. If Eriksen can’t go, the Eagles will rely on wide receiver Sergio Bailey, who racked up 55 catches for 799 yards and six touchdowns.

In its third year at the FBS level, Old Dominion qualified for the first bowl game in program history with a mark of 9-3. While a loss to Western Kentucky kept the Monarchs from the Conference USA title game, they recovered with a five game winning streak to close out the year.

Old Dominion averaged 36 points per game in the regular season, with quarterback David Washington racking up 28 touchdowns to four interceptions. Running back Ray Lawry provided effective balance with 177 carries for 1,122 yards.

Oddsmakers have Old Dominion as a slight favorite in what is expected to be a fairly high-scoring game.

Odds

Spread: ODU -4

Moneyline: Old Dominion -180, Eastern Michigan +160

O/U: 65

Motivation should not be a problem for either team with both playing for historical bowl victories in the Bahamas. Eastern Michigan’s biggest challenge will be limiting the Old Dominion offense, particularly in the passing game.

Washington has a deep group of receivers to spread the ball around to, including Zach Pascal and Jonathan Duhart. That’s going to seriously challenge the Eagles secondary, which gave up 7.6 yards per pass attempt this season to rank 84th in the nation.

Eastern Michigan needs Eriksen to play, as its offense will need to put plenty of points up against a middling Monarchs defense. The Eagles do a terrific job of protecting quarterback Brogan Roback, which could help neutralize Old Dominion’s strong defensive line while taking advantage of a weaker secondary.

One big key will be the fact that Old Dominion’s offense simply doesn’t make mistakes, as the Monarchs turned the ball just nine times, tied for the second lowest mark in the country. On the other side, Eastern Michigan committed 22 turnovers, a trend it will need to reverse to avoid giving the Monarchs any extra possessions.

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While the Eagles should be able to hang close and put some drives together, the balance of Old Dominion will ultimately be too much for the Eastern Michigan offense to handle.

Prediction: Old Dominion 34, Eastern Michigan 26

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