ODU seniors ready for last season

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - Thanks to joining Conference USA, it seems as if competing at the FCS level in football ended almost before it got started for Old Dominion University.

The Monarchs will begin their final season at the FCS-level Saturday when they host Duqunse at home. This is a team with a sense of urgency.

"We know that in 2013 and 2014 we are not eligible for post season play, this is our last season for our seniors, juniors and sophomore, this is their one shot," Head Coach Bobby Wilder said.

That one shot is especially important to seniors like Craig Wilkins.

"Definitely seen a lot of changes being here since the first day," Wilkins said. "That first game week was interesting, nobody knew where to go or where to be and now everyone knows what to do come Tuesday of game week."

The seniors are not the only ones affected by the eventual move to Conference USA.

Sophomore quarterback Taylor Heinicke knows he has plenty of games left after this season, but like the seniors, any chance at a title will have to come this year.

"Moving to Conference USA we are ineligible my junior and senior year so this is my only chance to win something. With them being here all five years, we all want to do it for them, so we all have a sense of urgency," said Heinicke.

The game starts at 7 p.m. Saturday night.