In Week 8 of the 2026 regular season, the Old Dominion Monarchs travel to face the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs at Joe Aillet Stadium in Ruston, LA. The Monarchs, with a current record of 2-5, are looking to gain momentum after a challenging season thus far. With a 1-2 road record, the Monarchs are eager to improve their standings in the Sun Belt Conference. Louisiana Tech, on the other hand, enters this game with a solid 4-2 record, demonstrating a strong performance at home with an undefeated 3-0 record. The Bulldogs are riding high after a dominant 24-0 victory against Louisiana-Monroe in their last outing. They aim to extend their winning streak and maintain their perfect record at Joe Aillet Stadium this season. The odds favor Louisiana Tech, with a moneyline of -447 and a spread of -10.5. ESPN+ will broadcast the game, starting at 5:00 PM on Saturday, October 24, 2026. Fans can expect an intense battle as both teams strive to assert their dominance in the Sun Belt Conference.

Louisiana Tech vs Old Dominion At a Glance (Week 8)

  • Game Date & Time: Saturday, October 24, 2026 at 5:00 PM
  • Venue: Joe Aillet Stadium in Ruston, LA
  • TV Channel: ESPN+
  • Old Dominion Record: 2-5 overall, 1-3 in conference
  • Louisiana Tech Record: 4-2 overall, 2-0 in conference
  • Odds: Louisiana Tech is favored at -447 on the moneyline

Louisiana Tech Bulldogs Ready to Battle Old Dominion Monarchs

Offensive Overview

The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs have put up 200 points so far in the 2026 season, ranking them 42nd in the nation. With 1,439 passing yards, they sit at 71st, indicating a balanced offensive approach.

The ground game has accumulated 928 rushing yards, placing them at 80th. This suggests a potential area for improvement as they prepare for upcoming games.

Defensive Standings

Defensively, the Bulldogs have allowed 147 points against them, ranking 84th. However, they have excelled in creating turnovers with 9 interceptions, ranking 10th nationally.

The Bulldogs' defense has also recovered 4 fumbles, securing the 7th position in the nation. Their ability to pressure the quarterback is evident with 13 sacks, ranking them 12th.

Recent Game Recap

In their latest outing, Louisiana Tech delivered a dominant 24-0 win over the Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks. The defense shined, limiting their opponent to just 12 first downs and forcing two interceptions.

Offensively, Blake Baker led the charge with 180 passing yards, backed by a robust rushing effort of 160 yards. Their balanced attack secured a comfortable victory.

Key Players to Watch

Quarterback Blake Baker has been a consistent performer, with 857 passing yards and 9 touchdowns this season. Running back Andrew Burnette leads the ground attack with 286 rushing yards.

Jalen Mickens is the standout receiver, accumulating 476 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns. Tight end Eli Finley also plays a critical role, contributing 334 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns.

Injury Concerns

Running back Dylone Brooks is questionable with an undisclosed injury, potentially impacting their rushing depth. Defensive linemen Judd Rouyea and Za'Qwaun Nunn are also dealing with injuries, affecting the defensive line rotation.

Wide receiver Dane Benedix's absence for the remainder of the season limits the receiving corps, putting more pressure on the healthy receivers to step up.

Louisiana Tech Top Betting Trends

  • ATS - As Underdog: 11-1 (91.7%) over the last 12 games (2024–2026)
  • O/U - Home Games: 6-0 (100.0%) over the last 6 games (2025–2026)
  • SU - Home Games: 9-1 (90.0%) over the last 10 games (2024–2026)
  • O/U - As Underdog: 5-0 (100.0%) over the last 5 games (2025–2026)
  • ATS - All Games: 18-5 (78.3%) over the last 23 games (2024–2026)

Old Dominion Monarchs Seek Redemption Against Louisiana Tech

Quarterback Situation

The quarterback position for Old Dominion has been led primarily by Quinn Henicle, who has participated in six games this season. Henicle has made 98 passing attempts, accumulating 656 yards with four touchdowns and four interceptions. Ryan Huff has also contributed with 62 attempts, resulting in 394 passing yards and two touchdowns.

Henicle is currently questionable for the upcoming game due to an undisclosed injury. This uncertainty might affect the offensive strategy, giving Huff a possible starting opportunity.

Rushing Attack

Devin Roche has been a key component of Old Dominion's rushing attack, with 373 yards across seven games. Despite his efforts, he has yet to score a rushing touchdown this season. Maurki James provides additional support with 75 rushing yards and two touchdowns.

Trey Hall has also contributed to the ground game, amassing 66 yards over seven games. The Monarchs need these players to step up, especially if their passing game remains uncertain.

Receiving Core

The receiving core is led by TJ Johnson, who has 262 receiving yards and three touchdowns. Josh Rodriguez adds depth with 191 yards, although he hasn't found the end zone yet this season. Kendall Harris and Leon Haughton Jr. also contribute, with Harris recording 167 yards and Haughton Jr. having three touchdowns.

With JJ Harrell questionable due to an undisclosed injury, the team may rely more heavily on Johnson and Rodriguez to lead the passing attack.

Defensive Strengths

Old Dominion's defense ranks notably in forced turnovers, with seven fumbles recovered, placing them 4th in the nation. Additionally, they have intercepted the ball five times, ranking them 6th. Their ability to create turnovers can be a game-changer against Louisiana Tech.

Moreover, the defense has been efficient in pressuring the quarterback, achieving 16 sacks, ranking 9th nationally. This pressure will be crucial in disrupting Louisiana Tech's offensive rhythm.

Team Betting Trends

  • SU - As Favorite: 10-2 (83.3%) in last 12 games.
  • SU - Totals ≥ 50: 10-2 (83.3%) in last 12 games.
  • ATS - Away Games: 20-10 (66.7%) in last 30 games.
  • SU - After Win: 8-3 (72.7%) in last 11 games.
  • ATS - As Underdog: 17-10 (63.0%) in last 27 games.

These trends highlight the Monarchs' success in away games and their performance when playing as underdogs. Despite being 10.5-point underdogs, their betting history suggests they can outperform expectations.

Louisiana Tech vs Old Dominion Week 8 Prediction: Over 46.5

Louisiana Tech has demonstrated a strong offensive performance this season with 200 points scored, ranking them 42nd nationally. Their ability to consistently score, especially at home, positions them well to exceed the total set for this game. Furthermore, their recent history of hitting the over in home games (6-0) supports a high-scoring affair.

Old Dominion has allowed 188 points against them this season, ranking 113th in defense. This suggests that they may struggle to contain Louisiana Tech's offense, leading to a higher scoring game. Additionally, Old Dominion's tendency to hit the over after a loss (9-4 in their last 13 games) indicates they might contribute to a higher total than expected.

With Louisiana Tech's impressive home scoring record and Old Dominion's defensive struggles, the conditions seem favorable for both teams to collectively surpass the 46.5 total. Louisiana Tech's strong home field performance further bolsters this outlook. Expect a game where both teams find the end zone frequently.

Considering the offensive and defensive metrics of both teams, a final score projection of Louisiana Tech 31 - Old Dominion 20 appears plausible. This outcome aligns with the expectation of a combined score over the set total.

  • Louisiana Tech vs Old Dominion Prediction: Over 46.5
  • Louisiana Tech vs Old Dominion Score: Louisiana Tech 31 - Old Dominion 20

Disclaimer: Knup Predictions are for entertainment and informational purposes only. Must be 21+ where applicable. Please gamble responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Stay Ahead

Get more picks and sports insights in your inbox

Subscribe to the Knup newsletter for weekly CFB previews, sports business notes, and ecosystem updates.

Subscribe to Knup View All CFB Picks