The remarkable rise of Old Dominion University football under the leadership of Madison, Maine's Bobby Wilder could reach a new level today, a Conference USA championship berth.

An ODU win over Florida International today and a loss by Western Kentucky would give Wilder's team a spot in the C-USA title game.

The Monarchs are already bowl eligible at 8-3. They are 6-1 in C-USA play.

Wilder was an outstanding quarterback in high school for Madison. He came to UMaine and captained the Black Bears to a Yankee Conference title in his senior year.in 1986.

After spending two years as a grad assistant at Boston College, Wilder returned to UMaine as an assistant coach and eventually become offensive coordinator and associate head coach.

He left Maine in 2007 to build the ODU football program that was dormant for 69 years.

Through the FCS ranks and then on to the FBS division starting three years ago, the Monarchs continue to have success.

West
Louisiana Tech6-10.8578-30.727
UTSA4-30.5715-60.455
North Texas3-40.4295-60.455
Southern Miss3-40.4295-60.455
Rice2-60.2503-80.273
UTEP1-60.1433-80.273
East
Old Dominion6-10.8578-30.727
WKU6-10.8578-30.727
Middle Tennessee4-30.5717-40.636
FIU4-30.5714-70.364
Charlotte3-40.4294-70.364
Florida Atlantic2-50.2863-80.273
Marshall2-50.2863-80.273

NOTE: Wilder's staff in Virginia is filled with Maine connections. Waterville's Brian Scott is offensive coordinator. Former UMaine defensive coordinator Rich Nagy is ODU defensive coordinator. Former UMaine QB Ron Whitcomb is quarterback coach. And, former Black Bear linebacker Jeff Comissiong is ODU defensive line coach.

Bobby Wilder 2
ODU Athletics
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