Old Dominion University chose not to play by the rules in the days preceding today's opening-round FCS playoff game in Norfolk.
For that, the Monarchs' opponent, neighborhood rival Norfolk State, is appreciative.
ODU's administration ignored NCAA guidelines that require home teams to provide 500 tickets to playoff visitors. The Monarchs offered more than four times that number — approximately 2,100 — to Norfolk State. All were quickly snapped up. The game at 19,818-seat Foreman Field has since been declared a sellout.
"Suppose the shoe is on the other foot and Norfolk State is the first-round host," said Dr. Wood Selig, ODU's athletics director. "I asked myself: How would I feel if we made the 41/2-mile trip (to Norfolk State) and they said, 'Yeah, thanks for coming, here's your 500 tickets'? I know this: I wouldn't feel very good."
Selig said the decision to "do the right thing" was not difficult.
"We live and work in the same city," he said. "I think we share a very good working relationship."
Norfolk State President Dr. Tony Atwater agreed. Atwater said he is grateful for "this gesture of goodwill from our neighbors." He said ODU's agreeability will enable a larger chunk of the Norfolk State community to celebrate the Spartans' "incredible season."
Today's contest between No. 10 Old Dominion (9-2) and No. 19 Norfolk State (9-2) is the first in FCS playoff history between teams located in the same city. Selig said it quickly became apparent that the standard visitor's allotment would be grossly insufficient.
"Let's say they bring 80 (players, coaches and sideline support personnel) and each of them needs four tickets," Selig said. "That's 320 tickets gone, and they haven't even started to address the needs of their university administration, their athletic department staff, their boosters or their season-ticket holders."
But courtesy, in this case, does not imply unfettered generosity. ODU, in essence, purchased its home-field advantage by submitting a handsome opening-round bid to the NCAA. Norfolk State, which plays in a larger facility (30,000-seat Dick Price Stadium) did not submit a bid. ODU's investment enabled the Monarchs to offer seats not only to their season-ticket holders (roughly 14,000) but also to the 3,000-plus individuals on their season-ticket waiting list.
Location notwithstanding, the game likely will be won or lost by Old Dominion's erratic defense. The Monarchs allowed 26.2 points and 364.2 yards per game in the regular season. Four opponents torched ODU for 30 or more points. Today's challenge is denying the quick strikes and big plays upon which Norfolk State thrives.
ODU coach Bobby Wilder said his defense, which last played Nov. 12, has responded well to the extended rest.
"We played 11 straight weeks and five (defensive) starters were out at one time or another," Wilder said. "We're finally getting healthy again. We're close to, if not at, full strength. I expect us to play our best game of the year."
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