Norfolk State vs Old Dominion Picks and Prediction for Saturday September 5 2026

Norfolk State makes the short trip across the Hampton Roads area to face Old Dominion on Saturday, September 5. The Monarchs open their 2026 season at home as enormous 40.5-point favorites, while the total is set at 52.5. This is one of the largest spreads on Saturday's board, with Old Dominion expected to dominate an FCS opponent that it knows extremely well geographically. Get into the action with our free college football picks.

Norfolk State Gets Nearly Six Touchdowns

Norfolk State faces a significant challenge, but the betting market is compensating the Spartans with more than 40 points.

At +40.5, Norfolk State could lose 42-7 and still cover.

That completely changes how this matchup should be handicapped. The question isn't whether Norfolk State can seriously threaten Old Dominion; it's whether the Monarchs can maintain enough offensive pressure to create a six-touchdown margin.

Norfolk State's most important contribution could simply be one or two touchdowns. Every point forces Old Dominion's required scoring total higher.

Old Dominion Has Major Expectations

Old Dominion enters after going 8-5 against the spread last season and winning eight of the nine games in which it was favored on the moneyline.

The Monarchs should control this matchup.

However, -40.5 is a completely different challenge from simply winning. Old Dominion has to continue scoring after the competitive portion of the game may already be over.

The 52.5 total makes the relationship even more interesting. A 42-10 Old Dominion victory would land Under while failing to cover the enormous favorite spread.

Norfolk State vs Old Dominion Picks and Prediction

Pick: Norfolk State +40.5

I'm taking Norfolk State +40.5. Old Dominion should win convincingly, but more than 40 points is simply too much for me to comfortably lay in an opener. Norfolk State can lose by five touchdowns and still cash. Something around Old Dominion 42, Norfolk State 10 gives the Monarchs complete domination while producing an eight-point cushion for Spartans bettors. Take Norfolk State +40.5.

Pick: Under 52.5

The Under 52.5 is also attractive. Norfolk State may have trouble producing much offense, but that means Old Dominion could need to score well into the 40s to threaten the Over. Once the Monarchs establish a commanding advantage, there is little reason to keep the game operating at maximum offensive aggression. Take Under 52.5.

Final Picks: Norfolk State +40.5 and Under 52.5