May 2, 2012
A Look Back: Week 11 - William & Mary
Story of the game: : The #11 Monarchs still had a chance at the CAA championship with a win over their nearby rival William & Mary. The Monarchs win the inaugural "Battle for the Silver Mace", a trophy given to the annual winner of the ODU and W&M game. The game was very close throughout, as they went into the half all knotted up at 14. This was helped by yet another field goal block, this time by Chris Burnette. The Tribe struck first in the second half, scoring on a long, 11-play, 79-yard drive. ODU answered right back, with Taylor Heinicke flipping the ball to Antonio Vaughan for what looked like a reverse run. Vaughan then threw the ball deep to Reid Evans for a 27 yard score, bringing the score to 21-21. The Tribe continued to put the pressure on the Monarch offense, closing out the third quarter with a rushing touchdown. ODU drove down the field quickly to answer once again with another Angus Harper rushing touchdown. After William & Mary kicked a field goal to take the lead, Angus Harper lead another scoring drive, giving ODU a 35-31 edge. The Tribe's last hope to regain the lead was crushed by an interception from cornerback Eriq Lewis. Although the Monarchs were guaranteed a playoff spot, they missed out on the CAA Championship, coming in second place behind the Towson Tigers. The Monarchs ended the regular season at 9-2 and 6-2 in the CAA.
A Look Back With EriqLewis:
A Look Ahead: Week 11 - William & Mary
The Tribe come in to 2012 looking to get back to their winning ways after a tough 2011. They ended the season at 5-6 overall and 3-5 in conference play. W&M returns two-time first team cornerback in B.W. Webb. Webb finished the season with two interceptions, 40 tackles, and three tackles for loss. Those two interceptions bring his career total to 11, which is tied for eighth in school history. Something that contributed to the Tribe's struggles last season was the inconsistent play at the quarterback position. Junior Brent Caprio, who started the final three, looks to be the front runner for the starting spot. The loss of All-American running back Jonathan Grimes will be a key position the Tribe will need to replace. The Old Dominion verses William & Mary games have yet to disappoint in the short history of the series, with the two teams each winning a game. The 2012 match-up looks to be no different.