April 10, 2012
A Look Back: Week 5 - Massachusetts
Story of the game: ODU gets off to a hot start, scoring the game's first 25 points but starting quarterback Thomas DeMarco doesn't return for the second half with a high ankle sprain. This unexpectedly threw true freshman Taylor Heinicke into the spotlight. After UMass answered ODU's hot start with 26 straight points to take the lead 26-25, left the 12th Monarch wondering could ODU be able to win its first CAA home game with the true freshman under center. Heinicke proceeded to complete 8-11 passes for 119 yards and two touchdowns, including a then-school record 56 yard touchdown pass to Reid Evans. ODU managed to bring the lead to 48-26 before UMass would find the end zone again. Another true freshman, running back Tyree Lee, recorded the first touchdown of his career as well. Heinicke was awarded the first of three CAA Rookie of the Week performances, while freshman Jakwail Bailey was named CAA Special Teams Player of the Week for his punt block that lead to a safety, which was a key play in helping the Monarchs gain back the momentum. The win brought ODU into the winning column in conference play a 1-, improved to squad to 4-1 overall, and gave the Monarchs its very first Top-25 victory. Its the only time ODU will face the Minutemen as members of the CAA as they rise to FBS and join the MAC in 2012.
A Look Back With Taylor Heinicke:
A Look Ahead: Week 5 - Richmond
Richmond ended a disappointing season at 3-8 on the season, 0-8 in the CAA, which included their 42-28 setback at the hands of the Monarchs. The Spiders were hurt by a flurry of injuries throughout the season and were a team many considered better than their overall record indicated. They won their first three contests in non-conference action with a 23-21 win over Duke, a 21-6 victory over Wagner, and a 34-19 triumph over VMI. Although the Spiders went on to drop their next eight straight in CAA play, Richmond had several close games among the upper echelon of the league including a 45-43 loss to New Hampshire, a 31-28 loss to Towson, and a 25-23 loss to William & Mary. The Spiders return Third Team All-American linebacker Darius McMillan, who was second in the league in tackles with 133 and 12.1 per game.