The Sun Belt Conference’s East Division finale pits the struggling Georgia State Panthers (1-10, 0-7 Sun Belt) against the surging Old Dominion Monarchs (8-3, 5-2 Sun Belt) at S.B. Ballard Stadium. ODU, under third-year coach Ricky Rahne, clinched bowl eligibility weeks ago and now eyes a strong finish (projected Myrtle Beach Bowl) after a dominant 45-10 rout of Georgia Southern last week. Georgia State, mired in rebuild mode under Dell McGee, enters on an eight-game skid, desperate for pride in a season defined by offensive woes and defensive breakdowns. The Monarchs’ balanced attack (top-50 scoring at 32.1 PPG) should overwhelm the Panthers’ leaky unit (bottom-10 defense, 38.8 PPG allowed), but GSU’s desperation could spark moments—expect a lopsided affair with Norfolk’s “Monarch Mania” crowd amplifying the mismatch.
Venue Location
The game kicks off at S.B. Ballard Stadium in Norfolk, Virginia. This 25,000-seat seaside fortress, opened in 1936 and renovated in 2023, is ODU’s home since 2009 and known for its electric “Royal Blue” atmosphere and tailgate traditions along the Elizabeth River. It’s a 300-mile drive from Atlanta, where the Panthers hold a 1-2 all-time road mark in the series—sellout expected for Fan Appreciation Day.
Kickoff: 2:00 p.m. ET
Broadcast: ESPN+ (primary), with streaming on ESPN app and Fubo. Radio: Georgia State’s 1340 The Game; ODU’s 940 WNIS.
Weather Updates
Norfolk’s late-November forecast calls for cool, overcast conditions with a wintry edge. Expect partly cloudy skies turning overcast, with a high of 45°F (7°C) and a low around 37°F (3°C). Winds: Light 5 mph from the north, with a 50% chance of light showers in the afternoon. Precipitation risk favors a damp field (natural grass), potentially slowing ODU’s up-tempo offense—temps suit defensive play, but no heavy rain expected.
Injury Report
ODU’s depth has masked minor issues, but Georgia State’s QB carousel and secondary are decimated, contributing to their skid. Updates as of November 27.
Georgia State Panthers:
| Player | Position | Status | Injury Details | Impact |
| Cameran Brown | QB | Doubtful | Undisclosed (exited vs. Coastal Carolina; in protocol) | Starter since Week 7 (1,200 yds, 8 TDs); if out, freshman Ben Arnold (inefficient 55% comp.) elevates—Panthers 0-5 without full QB health. |
| Campbell VI | WR | Questionable | Undisclosed (limited practice) | Slot receiver (25 rec, 300 yds); thins targets amid 130th-ranked passing (183 YPG). |
| Marcus Foster | CB | Out | Lower body (season-ending, mid-October) | Coverage DB (2 INTs); secondary ranks bottom-10 (300+ pass yds allowed/game). |
Overall: Eight players limited/out per Sun Belt reports; O-line allowed 40 sacks (worst in conference).
Old Dominion Monarchs:
| Player | Position | Status | Injury Details | Impact |
| Henderson | LB | Out | Undisclosed (season-ending) | Rotational LB (30 tackles); front seven still stout (top-50 run D). |
| K. Hargrove | RB | Probable | Ankle (limited vs. Georgia Southern) | Lead rusher (800 yds, 10 TDs); full reps—committee intact. |
| C. Joseph | QB | Available | No issues (cleared post-bye) | Dual-threat (2,500 yds, 20 TDs); Monarchs 7-1 with Joseph starting. |
Overall: Minimal disruptions; Rahne praised “resiliency” after Georgia Southern, with only three limited.
Player Matchups
ODU’s athleticism (top-50 SP+ offense) exploits GSU’s youth (bottom-30 defense). These clashes highlight the talent gap.
Georgia State QB Ben Arnold (if starting) vs. ODU Secondary: Arnold’s inexperience (55% comp., 8 INTs) tests Monarchs’ DBs (top-40 efficiency, 12 INTs). Edge: ODU—Monarchs 6-1 forcing 2+ TOs; Panthers 0-7 with 3+ giveaways.
ODU QB Colton Joseph vs. GSU Pass Rush: Joseph’s mobility (500 rush yds) extends plays. Panthers’ front (bottom-60 sacks) pressures 18% dropbacks. Edge: Joseph—ODU 7-0 exceeding 300 total yds/game.
Georgia State RB (committee) vs. ODU Front Seven: GSU backs (110 YPG) face LBs (top-50 run D, 120 yds allowed). Edge: ODU—Monarchs 5-0 under 130 rush yds.
ODU RB Ke’Travion Hargrove (probable) vs. GSU LB Core: Hargrove’s power (800 yds, 10 TDs) powers gaps. Panthers vulnerable (bottom-10 stamina). Edge: Hargrove—expect 150+ yds; GSU 1-8 vs. 150+ rush foes.
Recent Team Forms
Georgia State Panthers: McGee’s squad imploded with a 38-20 L at Coastal Carolina (Nov. 23), scoring 20.6 PPG overall amid QB flux. D leaky (38.8 allowed), turnovers rampant (15 given). Morale: Rebuild focus—0-7 Sun Belt worst ever.
Old Dominion Monarchs: Rahne’s crew dominated Georgia Southern 45-10 (Nov. 23), with Joseph-Hargrove torching (400 total yds). Offense humming (32.1 PPG), D opportunistic (14 TOs). Morale: Bowl bound—8-1 SU when scoring 30+.
Series History
Sun Belt foes since 2022, ODU holds recent edge. All-time: ODU leads 2-1. Monarchs won 2023 (35-28) and 2024 (24-14), but GSU took 2022’s 41-24 thriller. At Ballard: ODU 1-0. Recent: Avg. 31-22 ODU; overs in 2/3.
| Year | Winner | Score | Notes |
| 2024 | ODU | 24-14 | Defensive stand |
| 2023 | ODU | 35-28 | Shootout |
| 2022 | GSU | 41-24 | Panther upset |
Betting Trends
Georgia State: 3-8 ATS (27.3%); 1-4 ATS as 25+ dogs. 6-5 O/U; overs in 4/6 road losses. 1-9 SU as underdog (10%). Vs. ODU: 1-2 SU, 1-2 ATS.
Old Dominion: 7-4 ATS (63.6%); 4-1 ATS as 20+ home favorites. 5-6 O/U; overs in 3/5 home wins. 7-1 SU as fave (87.5%). Series: 2-1 SU/ATS.
Series Trends: Favorite covers 2/3; unders 1/3 (avg. 55 pts). Home teams 2-1 SU; ODU 5-1 ATS last 6 home. Advanced: FPI gives ODU 92% win prob. ODU top-50 offensive SP+; GSU 130th overall.
Game Odds
Georgia State Panthers 58.5
Old Dominion Monarchs – 27.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, November 28, 2025
