Old Dominion University (ODU) football coach Ricky Rahnè used his weekly Old Dominion Football Coach’s Show to stress that the Monarchs possess the desire and work ethic needed to succeed; what they must improve is on‑field execution. The comments come as the team prepares for its first road test of the season, traveling to Ruston, Louisiana, to face Sun Belt newcomer Louisiana Tech.
Recent performance and the upcoming challenge
The Bulldogs enter the matchup with a perfect 4‑0 record at home, including a dominant 24‑0 victory over Louisiana‑Monroe last week. Their offense features a strong receiving corps, while their defense balances pressure and coverage effectively. Louisiana Tech’s only two losses this season have come against power‑house programs LSU and Baylor.
ODU, by contrast, sits at 2‑5 overall and 1‑3 in Sun Belt play. The Monarchs are coming off a 23‑15 defeat to Georgia Southern, but coach Rahnè noted that the extra days between games give the squad a chance to “reset” and address the execution issues that have cost them close contests.
Coach Rahnè’s perspective
“The desire and work have always been there,” Rahnè told listeners. “It’s the execution that has been holding ODU back.” He emphasized that the team’s preparation will focus on reducing mental errors, improving third‑down conversions, and tightening defensive assignments. “We’ve got the talent, we’ve got the heart, now we need to do the little things right,” he added.
The coach also reflected on the program’s recent history with Louisiana Tech. The two schools last met in 2021, when ODU traveled to Norfolk and won, sparking a five‑game winning streak to close that season. Rahnè hopes to recapture that momentum on the road.
What the game means for the Sun Belt race
Both teams are early‑season Sun Belt contenders, and a win for ODU could provide a much‑needed boost in conference standings. Louisiana Tech, still unbeaten at home, will look to extend its streak and solidify its reputation as a rising program in the league.
For the Monarchs, a victory would improve their conference record to 2‑3 and keep them within striking distance of the Sun Belt’s upper tier. A loss would drop them to 1‑4, making the path to bowl eligibility more challenging.
How to follow the game
The matchup is scheduled for Saturday night, with kickoff time to be announced by the Sun Belt Conference. Fans can watch the game on regional sports networks or stream via the conference’s official platform. Local supporters are encouraged to attend the game in Ruston to show their Monarch pride.
Stay tuned to ODU football coverage
The Old Dominion Football Coach’s Show airs every Thursday at 7:30 p.m. on The Spot Norfolk 27 and will continue through the end of the college football season, providing analysis, player interviews, and behind‑the‑scenes insights for fans across the region.
Original reporting: WTKR News 3 (Scripps) – local — read the source article.
