What Is 2017 Old Dominion Monarchs football

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2017 Old Dominion Monarchs football team represented Old Dominion University in the 2017 NCAA Division I FBS football season, finishing with a 6-6 record under head coach Bobby Wilder. They played their home games at S.B. Ballard Stadium in Norfolk, Virginia, and were members of Conference USA's East Division.

Key Facts

Finished the 2017 season with a 6-6 overall record
Posted a 4-4 record in Conference USA play
Head coach Bobby Wilder led the team for the seventh consecutive season
Played home games at S.B. Ballard Stadium in Norfolk, VA
Did not qualify for a bowl game despite becoming bowl-eligible

Overview

The 2017 Old Dominion Monarchs football team represented Old Dominion University during the 2017 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Competing as a member of Conference USA's East Division, the team was led by head coach Bobby Wilder in his seventh year at the helm. The Monarchs played their home games at S.B. Ballard Stadium, located on the university’s campus in Norfolk, Virginia.

ODU finished the 2017 season with a 6-6 overall record and a 4-4 mark in conference play, making them bowl-eligible for the second time in program history. However, they were not selected to participate in a postseason bowl game, marking a disappointing end to a season with high expectations. Despite solid offensive performances, defensive inconsistencies limited their success.

Record: The Monarchs ended the season with a 6-6 overall record, matching their 2016 performance and achieving bowl eligibility for the second consecutive year.
Conference play: They went 4-4 in Conference USA, finishing in third place in the East Division behind Marshall and Florida International.
Head coach:Bobby Wilder remained the team’s head coach, overseeing player development and game strategy throughout the 12-game schedule.
Home stadium: All home games were played at S.B. Ballard Stadium, which has a seating capacity of approximately 21,944 and underwent renovations in recent years.
Bowl eligibility: Despite reaching the required six wins, the Monarchs were not invited to a bowl game, due to a surplus of 6-6 teams and selection preferences for others.

Season Performance

The Monarchs showed offensive promise throughout the year, led by quarterback Grenell Thompson, who stepped in after injuries to the starting QB. The team averaged 27.8 points per game, ranking them in the upper half of Conference USA offensively, but struggled on defense, allowing 31.2 points per game.

Offensive strength: The team averaged 387.6 yards per game of total offense, powered by a balanced attack between passing and rushing.
Defensive struggles: Allowed 31.2 points per game, one of the highest averages in the conference, due to lapses in secondary coverage and tackling.
Key win: A 35-34 victory over Western Kentucky in October was a highlight, showcasing the team’s ability to compete with top-tier C-USA opponents.
Injuries: Starting quarterback Blake LaRussa missed multiple games, forcing inexperienced players into pivotal roles.
Turnover margin: Finished with a -5 turnover margin, indicating issues with ball security and defensive takeaways.
Special teams: Kicker Jonathan Plisco made 15 of 19 field goals, providing reliable scoring in close games.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2017 Old Dominion Monarchs with select Conference USA peers in key statistical categories:

Team	Overall Record	Conf. Record	Points/Game	Points Allowed
Old Dominion	6-6	4-4	27.8	31.2
Western Kentucky	6-7	4-4	30.1	33.4
Marshall	3-9	2-6	21.7	35.8
Florida International	8-5	5-3	28.9	22.3
UTSA	6-6	4-4	26.5	29.1

This table illustrates that while ODU’s record was similar to several peers, their defensive performance ranked near the bottom. FIU’s stronger defense contributed to their better overall record, while ODU’s offense was competitive but undermined by defensive shortcomings. The lack of bowl selection despite a .500 record highlighted the competitive depth in Group of Five conferences.

Why It Matters

The 2017 season was a pivotal moment in Old Dominion’s football development, reflecting both progress and areas needing improvement as the program continues to mature. Despite missing a bowl game, the season demonstrated the team’s ability to compete at a high level within Conference USA.

Program growth: Achieving a 6-6 record for the second straight year signaled increased stability under Bobby Wilder’s leadership.
Recruiting impact: Competitive performances helped attract higher-caliber recruits from Virginia and the Southeast.
Facility upgrades: Continued investments in stadium and training facilities supported player development and fan engagement.
Conference visibility: Games against ranked C-USA teams increased regional TV exposure and fan interest.
Player development: Young quarterbacks gained valuable experience, setting the stage for future leadership in 2018 and beyond.
Fan engagement: Average attendance of 18,500 per game showed strong local support despite the team’s postseason absence.

As Old Dominion continues to build its football identity, the 2017 season remains a benchmark for measuring future success, balancing on-field results with long-term program goals.