We all know about last year’s historic upset. Old Dominion beating a No. 13 ranked Virginia Tech team was shocking, to say the least. While Virginia fans relished in that moment, a similar situation faces the Hoos this year. The Cavaliers are coming in ranked No. 21 and are favorites, big favorites at that, to beat the Monarchs. The Hoos are playing at home (unlike Tech last year), which should provide a substantial advantage.
As the Monarchs proved last year, they are not a team to overlook. Head Coach Bobby Wilder has been at the helm for 11 years through the transition from the FCS to playing in their first ever FBS bowl game in 2016.