April 19, 2012
A Look Back: Week 8 - Villanova
Story of the game: The Monarchs got back to their winning ways against the 2009 national champion Villanova Wildcats, dominating the entire game in the 37-14 victory. The Monarchs held the lead the entire game and seemed like they were on a mission to prove the loss to Towson was behind them. The ODU defense finished the game with five sacks and eight tackles for loss. The Monarch offense continued its stellar play, led by freshman quarterback Taylor Heinicke who completed 23 of his 32 passes for 204 yards, two passing touchdowns, and one rushing score. Old Dominion adds another to the win column and improved to 6-2 and 3-2 in the CAA.
A Look Back With David Born:
A Look Ahead: Week 8 - Towson
The Tigers come into the 2012 season with a target on its back. After being picked to finish at the bottom of the CAA, the Tigers managed to shock everyone, going 9-3, winning their first Conference Championship, and making their first-ever NCAA FCS playoff appearance. They finished the season ranked ninth in the final FCS polls. Head Coach Rob Ambrose, who is coming off being named the FCS Coach of the Year, should be very excited with the talent they have returning next season. Freshman running back Terrance West returns off of an amazing season in which he was selected as a First Team All-American and winning the Jerry Rice Award as the top freshman in FCS football. West ran for 1,294 yards on 194 carries while leading the FCS with 29 touchdowns, which is the fourth highest single season total in FCS history. The Tigers have another returning All-American in safety Jordan Dangerfield. Dangerfield led the team in tackles with 93, recorded two interceptions and tied for the conference lead with two fumble recoveries. He also forced a pair of fumbles. After the nail-biter between Towson and Old Dominion in 2011, this matchup is sure to be marked on both teams calendars heading into the 2012 season.