Norfolk State
Spartans
1-0
Spread
+41.5
NCAAF Predictions
Norfolk State Spartans vs Old Dominion Monarchs Predictions
Saturday, September 5, 2026 at 6:00pm EST at S.B. Ballard Stadium, Norfolk, VA
@
Old Dominion
Monarchs
Spread
-41.5
50%
50%
Spread
Norfolk State Spartans +41.5
Old Dominion Monarchs -41.5
Moneyline
Norfolk State Spartans
Old Dominion Monarchs
Total
Over 55.5 (-112)
Under 55.5 (-108)
Professional Picks
0 listed
Professional Picks On This Game
No professional picks are available for this matchup.
Norfolk State vs. Old Dominion: Ground Game Faces a Test at +41.5
Analysis updated September 5, 2026 at 6:04 AM CDT
Norfolk State controlled possession in its opener. Repeating that against Old Dominion would help the Spartans stay within SPF's spread, but one game doesn't establish that they can.
Can Norfolk State sustain drives?
Norfolk State ran for 306 yards and held the ball for 37:10 in its 56-0 win over Winston-Salem State, according to Norfolk State University Athletics, the school's official athletics outlet. Sustained drives could limit Old Dominion's scoring opportunities, a key consideration with the Monarchs favored by 41.5 points at SPF.
The same preview reports that Old Dominion ranked sixth nationally in points allowed per drive in 2025. That makes Norfolk State's opening rushing performance a shaky basis for backing the underdog: its ability to keep drives alive against this defense remains unproven.
Prediction and betting decision
Old Dominion is the winner pick after a 10-3 season capped by a 24-10 Cure Bowl win over South Florida. But this is its season opener, and the preview identifies Quinn Henicle as the presumptive starting quarterback, not a confirmed starter. Last year's results don't establish how reliably this offense can build a 42-point winning margin. Pass on the spread.
SPF lists the total at 55.5, with over -112 and under -108. With Old Dominion's offense yet to play and Norfolk State's production coming against one opponent, there's no supported total wager. Moneyline prices are unavailable. Pass on both markets.
Pick
Old Dominion Monarchs
Confidence
low
Betting lean
Pass