April 30, 2012
April 26, 2012
A Look Back: Week 10 - Richmond
Story of the game: : The Monarchs find themselves in a position where if they win out, including the Week 10 match-up with Richmond, and get some help, they have a shot at the CAA Championship. They are also in a great position to make the playoffs for the first time in school history. The game starts off in ODU's favor with the Monarchs going into the half with a 25-15 halftime lead. Jarod Brown continued his reliable play with a 23-yard field goal in the third stanza. Once again the special teams of the Monarchs come up with another huge block, with Jakwail Bailey deflecting a punt, which was his second and the team's fifth punt block of the season. The Spiders found some hope when Taylor Heinicke fumbled on the opposing four yard line, where Richmond player Doug Howell recovered and returned the ball 96 yards for a score. After an amazing Richmond touchdown catch, the score was all tied up at 28 going into the fourth quarter. Feeling the pressure from the Spider's momentum, the Monarchs turned it up on both sides of the ball, shutting out the Spiders in the fourth quarter and adding two more touchdowns. Reid Evans posted a school record 12 receptions for 149 yards. Heinicke finished the game completing 34 of 47 passes for a season-high 373 yards. The Monarch offense gained a school record 587 yards of total offense. The win brings ODU to 8-2 overall record and 5-2 in the CAA.
A Look Back With ReidEvans:
A Look Ahead: Week 10 - Georgia State
While it will be the Panthers first season in the CAA, it will also be their last as they move up to join the Sun Belt Conference in 2013. Georgia State will be trying to duplicate ODU's first CAA season success after a 3-8 record in 2011. They had five standout players named to the All-Independent Team including their leading receiver Albert Wilson, Kentucky transfer Donald Russell who rushed for 665 yards and a team-high nine touchdowns, and cornerback Demarius Matthews who recorded nine pass breakups, 33 tackles, one sack, and one forced fumble. In the all-time series record between the two CAA newcomers, the Monarchs lead the head-to-head series 2-0. Both teams being so young and wanting to earn the respect of the rest of the league, this is going to be hard fought game.