Liberty Flames vs. Old Dominion Monarchs Picks and Prediction for Saturday, September 27, 2025
Use Code SSWC We have an interesting non-conference Week 5 matchup as the Liberty Flames are heading to S.B. Ballard Stadium in Norfolk, Virginia, on Saturday evening to take on the Old Dominion Monarchs in our Flames vs Jaguars Monarchs prediction. The game is airing exclusively on ESPN+, and these teams are trending in opposite directions to begin the season. The Flames (1-3) are on a three-game losing streak as they are coming off a 31-13 home loss against the James Madison Dukes on Saturday. The Monarchs (2-1) are on a two-game winning streak as they are were off last week they securing a 45-26 road win on Sept. 13 against the Virginia Tech Hokies. Rivalries, tempo, trenches — NCAAF picks for Liberty Flames vs. Old Dominion Monarchs.
Flames Looking to Heat Up
The Liberty Flames are looking to figure out how to get back in the win column after losing three consecutive games to drop their record to 1-3 thus far. The Flames’ offense has been struggling as they are scoring 19.5 points per game, ranking 116th in college football. Starting quarterback Ethan Vasko suffered an arm/shoulder injury last week and could return to the field this week, but is officially questionable to play. So far this season, he has completed 55-of-96 (57.3%) of his passes for 763 yards with six passing touchdowns to three interceptions, while also running 51 times for 142 yards (2.8 yards per carry) with a pair of rushing touchdowns. The team also has been able to run the football well with running back Evan Dickens leading the charge as he has 54 rushing attempts for 297 yards (5.5 yards per rush) with two rushing touchdowns while adding four catches for 59 yards (14.8 yards per reception) and a touchdown through the air.
The defense for Liberty has been keeping the team in games as they are 75th in college football as they are allowing 23.8 points per game. The Flames have struggled to apply pressure to the opposing offense thus far as they have just four sacks with two interceptions, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery heading into this week’s game. If the offense can be a better option and have some key players heal up, they can find themselves back in the win column.
Injury Report for Liberty
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- Running back Vaughn Blue: Lower Body (Questionable)
- Defensive lineman Markus Clark: Undisclosed (Questionable)
- Safety Dylan Mullins: Undisclosed (Questionable)
- Offensive guard Trey Bedosky: Undisclosed (Questionable)
- Quarterback Ethan Vasko: Shoulder/Arm (Questionable)
- Offensive guard Cal Grubbs: Undisclosed (OUT)
- Quarterback Ryan Burger: Concussion (OUT)
Monarchs Looking to Rule the Gridiron
The Old Dominion Monarchs have been able to shake off losing their first game of the year as they won on the road against the Virginia Tech Hokies to improve to 2-1 so far. Old Dominion is scoring with the best of teams as they are 34th in the sport with 37.7 points per game. Quarterback Colton Joseph has made some mistakes, but is overall passing well as he has completed 46-of-68 (67.6%) of his passes for 629 yards with five passing touchdowns to three interceptions while being able to run the football significantly. He also adds 30 rushes for 291 yards (9.7 yards per attempt) for 291 yards with four rushing touchdowns. Wide receiver Ja’Cory Thomas has been leading the receiving game for Old Dominion as he has a program-high 11 catches for 193 yards (17.5 yards per reception) with a receiving touchdown to his name.
The defense for the Monarchs has been playing at a solid level as they are giving up 19.7 points per game, which is tied for 50th in college football. The defense has been putting up a good amount of pressure as well as ODU has posted seven sacks, three interceptions, four forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries. If the defense can continue to step up, they are going to be a difficult team to overcome.
Injury Report for Old Dominion
- Linebacker Jason Henderson: Undisclosed (OUT)
Liberty Flames vs. Old Dominion Monarchs Pick
Spread Pick for Liberty vs. ODU
- Old Dominion Monarchs -16.5 (5 units)
There is a reason why the Liberty Flames are 0-4 against the spread while the Old Dominion Monarchs are 3-0 against the spread so far. Liberty is dealing with question marks surrounding the quarterback position as Ethan Vasko could be out for this game, and even if he suits up could be limited. Old Dominion has one of the best running games in the country and should be able to chew the clock and just cruise to a victory. Liberty does not have the talent to slow them down enough, so expect this game to be a one-sided affair and for the Old Dominion Monarchs to cover the spread
Over/Under Pick for Liberty vs. ODU
- Over 52.5 (4 units)
The weather for this game is not going to have rain, so we do not have to worry about the elements affecting their offense. These teams have been able to keep drives alive by converting on third downs as the Flames are 25-for-59 (42.37%) so far while the Monarchs are 11-of-29 (37.93%) entering this game. Both offensive lines have done a good job at keeping the quarterback upright and not allowing many sacks as Liberty has been sacked 11 times through their first four game,s while Old Dominion has only been sacked twice in their opening three games of the year. All in all, go with over 52.5 total points as the better bet for this matchup.
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