The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

THE preparation for the stakeholders, participating teams, fans, locals and visitors are complete and gameday is finally here.

The third edition of the Popeyes Bahamas Bowl, a matchup between the Old Dominion Monarchs and Eastern Michigan Eagles, kicks off at 1pm today at Thomas A Robinson Natonal Stadium.

A history-making experience for both teams – the Monarchs will make their first bowl appearance in school history while the Eagles make their first bowl appearance in 29 years.

Monarchs head coach Bobby Wilder called the Bowl week events an experience that will resonate for his team beyond the football field.

“It’s been a life-changing experience from the moment we arrived. It’s all been a dream come true and we made lifetime memories we will never forget,” he said.

“But we’re also here to go 1-0. It’s been a remarkable season for these young men that were picked to finish at the bottom of our league, but here we are. These are the best combined record of any two teams they have had in the three years. It’ll come down to execution. Football always comes down to execution.”

Wilder joked that both teams could use extra time in the Bahamas before they return to their respective homes.

“It’s clear that both teams want to be here,” he said, “We’ve had great interaction with the EMU players and staff. We feel like the game should be postponed until next Friday just so we can stay here another week.”

Eagles head coach Craig Creighton said the storybook ending for his team.

“I can’t begin to tell you how deep this goes for our team to be able to be chosen for this game. They’ve realized almost all of their goals, and it’s truly amazing thus far, but we’re here to finish it,” he said, “The hospitality and first class way we have been exposed to has been superb. We’ve been treated like kings. At the same time we have to be locked in and be focused but yet still enjoy the experience. I’m proud of how my guys have handled everything.”

The Monarchs (9-3 overall, 7-1 in Conference USA play), will come into the game with a five-game win streak and wins in eight of the last nine games. The Eagles (7-6 overall, 4-4 in MAC play) tied the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) mark for biggest turnarounds in 2016, improving from a one-win season in 2015 to seven victories this season.

Senior quarterback David Washington threw for 2,648 yards and 28 touchdowns with only four interceptions this season said the team has enjoyed their bonding experience, the mood shifts to a business trip today.

“This has been the best experience of my life. Just being away from everyone, just having your team around has been awesome. I’ve spent a lot of time with the team, guys like the freshmen receivers and just having time to bond has meant a lot to us,” he said, “This team hates to lose. We didn’t come out here to lose or get embarrassed so winning this game is the most important thing for us.”

The Monarchs had the second-best scoring defense in the conference, holding opponents to an average of 27.8 yards per game and led C-USA in turnover margin at +13, thanks to 12 fumble recoveries and 10 interceptions against a league-low nine turnovers on offense. The defense also recorded 34 sacks, second in the conference. 

“I wont like it to be a shootout being on the defensive side of the ball, but once we score more points than them, I’ll take it,” Monarchs senior linebacker TJ Ricks said, “Coach had us running before practice to get acclimated to the weather so we’re prepared for it.”

It will be the third meeting between the teams in three years.

Old Dominion has the edge in the head-to-head matchup thus far. In 2014 they scored a 17-3 victory, followed by a 38-34 win last season.

The Eagles offensive line combined to allow the 12th-fewest sacks in the nation, as well as the second-fewest tackles for loss

Senior offensive lineman Cole Gardener said both losses for his team were taken as learning experiences.

“They were close games where we had to battle the whole time. Both teams have improved and it’ll be a hard fought game and that’s what we want,” he said.

Gardner also added that the off the field community outreach initiatives gave him new perspective on the trip.

“There were so many things that were incredible this week. To be able to come here and experience and do it with my guys is something I’ll never forget. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity,” he said, “Also being able to interact the community and driving through the city you get a better grasp of what the island is like. It makes you appreciate things and makes you think you’re really lucky.”

Senior defensive lineman Mike Brown said the third matchup should mirror the previous games but remains thankful that this edition took place in a more welcome environment.

“We’re expecting this to be another close game. They’re not 9-3 on accident but we expect to come out on top,” he said, “At the end of the day I’m thankful for the opportunity to go out and get sunburned. I’d rather be sunburned than get frozen anyday.”