What Is 2010 Old Dominion Monarchs football

Overview

The 2010 Old Dominion Monarchs football team marked a historic return of college football to Old Dominion University after a 68-year absence. The program had last played in 1940 before being revived in 2009 at the FCS level, with 2010 being its first full season of competition.

Under the leadership of head coach Bobby Wilder, the Monarchs quickly established themselves as a competitive force in the Football Championship Subdivision. Their strong debut season signaled ODU’s serious commitment to building a modern Division I football program.

• First season since 1940: The 2010 campaign was Old Dominion’s first full season of football since discontinuing the program after 1940 due to financial and logistical challenges.
• Record of 9–2: The Monarchs won nine of their eleven games, including a dominant 7–0 home record at Foreman Field in Norfolk, Virginia.
• Head coach Bobby Wilder: Hired in 2007 to launch the program, Wilder led the team to immediate success, earning national recognition for his recruiting and development.
• FCS Independent status: In 2010, ODU competed as an independent, not belonging to a conference, which allowed scheduling flexibility while building the program.
• High-powered offense: The team averaged 38.5 points per game, led by quarterback Thomas DeMarco and running back Bobby Wilder Jr.

Season Performance and Key Games

The 2010 season featured several notable performances that demonstrated the Monarchs' potential on the national stage. ODU faced a mix of FCS and lower-division opponents, showcasing both offensive firepower and defensive resilience.

• Season opener vs. Gardner-Webb: ODU won 38–31 on September 2, 2010, in front of over 18,000 fans, marking a successful return to intercollegiate football.
• Victory over Liberty: A 45–42 win in September demonstrated the team’s ability to compete with established FCS programs.
• Loss to Richmond: A 34–28 defeat in October was a narrow setback against a strong Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) team.
• Final game vs. Savannah State: The Monarchs closed the season with a 63–35 win, highlighting their explosive offensive capabilities.
• Attendance success: ODU averaged over 19,000 fans per home game, ranking among the highest in the FCS for attendance.
• Individual honors: Running back Bobby Wilder Jr. rushed for over 1,000 yards, becoming the first Monarch to do so since the program’s revival.

Comparison at a Glance

How the 2010 Monarchs compared to other FCS teams in key statistical categories:

The Monarchs significantly outperformed the average FCS team in scoring and offensive production. Their 9–2 record and .818 win percentage placed them among the top independents and highlighted their readiness for future conference play.

Why It Matters

The success of the 2010 Old Dominion Monarchs laid the foundation for the program’s rapid ascent in college football. It proved that a revived football program could achieve immediate competitiveness with proper leadership and community support.

• Revival of a dormant program: The 2010 season ended a 68-year hiatus, making ODU one of the few schools to successfully restart football at the Division I level.
• Path to FBS: The strong performance accelerated ODU’s move to Conference USA and the Football Bowl Subdivision by 2014.
• Community engagement: High attendance and local media coverage strengthened ties between the university and the Hampton Roads region.
• Recruiting momentum: Success in 2010 helped attract higher-caliber recruits in subsequent years, improving overall team quality.
• National recognition: ODU was featured in ESPN The Magazine and received votes in national FCS polls despite not being playoff-eligible.
• Legacy of Coach Wilder: Bobby Wilder’s leadership in 2010 established a culture of excellence that influenced the program for years.

The 2010 season was more than just a debut—it was a statement that Old Dominion was serious about becoming a major player in college football, setting the stage for future conference membership and sustained success.