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Old Dominion continues to impress me with their approach to their fledgling football program...

They have taken the position that it's important to develop the program first, then go after those "payday" games with FBS teams...

http://www.washingtontimes.com/weblogs/ ... ys-at-odu/

Indeed. And in stark contrast with Georgia State, scheduling Alabama in their first year. Wilder is standing out in every way compared to Curry, from scheduling to spacing of scholarships. ODU had a chance to play W&M this year and canceled because they were afraid of the setback getting wiped by a local rival would do for recruitment, attendance, and health of the players. I can't wait to see where they are after a full class goes through.

Fortunately, ODU doesnt need a BCS payday to help fund the program, it will be fully funded and self-sufficient from the start. The financial support from the local community has been nothing short of spectacular.

There is general agreement amongst the ODU faithful that the program must be allowed to evolve at a realistic pace. Thus, our first two games are with Div II opponents and the climax games are against solid Big South programs. We know that a team of freshmen, RS freshmen and JuCos simply cannot physically contend with the superior programs found in the So Con and CAA and a BCS beating could seriously hamper program development. We are understandably anxious for the days when dates with JMU, W&M, Richmond et al will be for national ranking and playoff consideration, but for now we're content to let the baby Monarchs grow up.

When the time is right, then Navy is the overwhelming favorite as a BCS opponent followed by the Virginia ACC schools (the Va schools would win in a landslide if those same programs would play us in BB, but that's a discussion for a different forum).

I also think our fanbase deserves alot of credit for the realistic expectations we have of this team. Ga State fans have already been talking about making the move to 1-A and joining the Big East for crying out loud. We just want to be able to compete against 1-AA teams within in a few years. Regardless, the support our program is getting, not just from ODU alums and local fans but from national football fans who are taking notice of ODU, has been incredible.

DukeJack wrote:Indeed. And in stark contrast with Georgia State, scheduling Alabama in their first year. Wilder is standing out in every way compared to Curry, from scheduling to spacing of scholarships. ODU had a chance to play W&M this year and canceled because they were afraid of the setback getting wiped by a local rival would do for recruitment, attendance, and health of the players. I can't wait to see where they are after a full class goes through.

That was the dumbest scheduling move I think I've ever seen. You may be able to attract a few recruits by saying "We're playing Alabama", but a 100-0 beating only brings in a paycheck.