News Summary
The Old Dominion University football team achieved a significant milestone by defeating Liberty University 21-7 at S.B. Ballard Stadium. This win marks head coach Ricky Rahne’s first victory against Liberty and improves ODU’s record to 3-1, their best start since 2014. Despite facing challenges, including four turnovers, ODU showcased a strong offensive and defensive performance, with quarterback Colton Joseph leading the team. The Monarchs are set to face Coastal Carolina next week as they aim to build on their momentum.
Norfolk, Virginia
The Old Dominion University (ODU) football team achieved a significant milestone by defeating Liberty University with a score of 21-7. This victory took place during a rainy Saturday night at S.B. Ballard Stadium and marked head coach Ricky Rahne’s first triumph over Liberty since taking charge of the Monarchs.
With this win, ODU improved its record to 3-1, reflecting the team’s best start since 2014. Despite facing challenges, including four turnovers—three of which occurred inside Liberty’s five-yard line—the Monarchs managed to secure a solid win.
ODU showcased a robust offensive effort, amassing a total of 489 yards during the game. In contrast, the Monarchs’ defense was remarkably effective, limiting Liberty to just 203 total yards, marking the lowest for an opponent since ODU transitioned to the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). The defensive unit also forced three turnovers from Liberty, contributing significantly to the outcome of the game.
Offensive Highlights
Quarterback Colton Joseph had an impressive performance, completing 18 of 26 pass attempts for a total of 271 yards, along with three touchdown passes and one interception. He also ranked second in rushing for the team with 76 yards. Leading the rushing attack was Trequan Jones, who managed 89 yards on the ground.
Receiver Jacory Thomas was a standout for ODU, catching five passes for an impressive 114 yards and scoring two of the three touchdowns. ODU’s offensive drive began to take shape in the second quarter when Joseph connected with T.J. Johnson for a 22-yard touchdown pass. Just three minutes later, Joseph threw a 31-yard touchdown pass to Thomas, solidifying a 14-0 lead at halftime.
Liberty responded in the third quarter when Julian Gray scored the only touchdown for the Flames with a four-yard rush, narrowing the gap to 14-7. However, ODU sealed their victory in the fourth quarter with another touchdown, a 55-yard completion from Joseph to Thomas, to bring the final score to 21-7.
Coaching and Future Outlook
Head Coach Ricky Rahne expressed his acknowledgment of the team’s effort, noting that while they performed well in many aspects of the game, their struggles in the red zone due to turnovers presented a challenge they need to address moving forward.
Looking ahead, ODU is set to begin its Sun Belt play next Saturday. The team will welcome Coastal Carolina to S.B. Ballard Stadium for a 6 p.m. kickoff, where the Monarchs will look to build on this victory and improve their standing in the conference.
This win against Liberty not only boosts ODU’s confidence but also establishes a solid foundation as they advance through the season, aiming to continue their momentum in future games.
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Additional Resources
- Abigail Spanberger’s Official Site
- ODU Sports News
- WTKR Sports
- CBS Sports
- Wikipedia: Old Dominion Monarchs Football
- Google Search: Old Dominion football
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
