April 5, 2012
A Look Back: Week 4 - Delaware
Story of the game: An eight-game win streak was snapped in ODU's Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) debut. This was Old Dominion's first meeting against a nationally ranked opponent in the 2011 campaign facing a Blue Hen squad ranked seventh by The Sports Network and sixth in the FCS Coaches Poll. Despite being the underdogs, ODU had the lead at 17-16 with ten minutes left in the game but could not maintain it after a 60-yard kickoff return and a quick 32-yard touchdown reception by Delaware's Rob Jones put the Blue Hens up 24-17. A four and out by the Monarchs and a 43-yard field goal helped to the Delaware win in a hard fought game. With all the talk about this game being a measuring stick for the Monarchs, they stepped up and showed that they would be able to compete in the CAA, among the nation's top FCS conferences. The loss brought the Monarchs to 3-1 on the season, 0-1 in the CAA.
A Look Back With Carvin Powell:
A Look Ahead: Week 4 - New Hampshire
New Hampshire continued their winning ways last season, extending their streak of consecutive playoff appearances to eight. They finished the season 8-3 overall and 6-2 in the CAA. The Monarchs have yet to face New Hampshire and the first meeting will kick off the 2012 CAA slate for ODU. The Wildcats return the 2011 Buck Buchanan Award Winner, given to the national defensive player of the year, in linebacker Matt Evans. Evans was chosen for multiple All-American teams, lead the nation with 7.67 solo tackles per game game and racked up 165 total tackles, which was the second most in the country and second-highest in team history. New Hampshire also returns All-Freshman and Second Team All-CAA receiver R.J. Harris, who recorded seven touchdown receptions and 714 receiving yards. At season's end, New Hampshire had extended their string of consecutive weeks ranked in the Top 25 to 112 in a row, which is the second-longest streak in the country. They finished the season at No. 11 in the nation.