NORFOLK, Va. - After not playing a home game for three weeks, Old Dominion University football returns home to face East Carolina on Saturday, Sept. 28 at 6 p.m. at Kornblau Field at S.B. Ballard Stadium.
| Old Dominion (1-2, 0-0 C-USA) at East Carolina (2-2, 0-1 AAC) | |||
| Date | Saturday, Sept. 28 • 6 p.m. • Norfolk, Va. • Kornblau Field at S.B. Ballard Stadium | ||
| Where to Watch | ESPN+ | ||
| Listen | ODU Sports Radio Network | ||
| Series | ECU 2 ODU 0 | ||
| Game Notes | Old Dominion East Carolina | ||
> Old Dominion jumped out to a 17-0 lead at No. 21 Virginia last week, but was unable to hang on as the Cavaliers scored 28-straight for a 28-17 win.
> ODU (1-2) returns home after traveling to Virginia Tech and Virginia, to face East Carolina. The Pirates are 2-2 on the year and defeated William and Mary 19-7 last week.
> The Old Dominion defense gave up 244 yards to Virginia, the lowest total yardage the Monarchs have allowed to a Power-Five opponent. The previous low was 370 at Pittsburgh in 2013.
> Geronda Hall had a career-best 10 tackles, while Keion White was all over the place, recording six tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and a sack.
> Stone Smartt completed 16-of-26 passes and an interception, for a career-high 206 yards. He also rushed for a touchdown.
Defense Holds Strong
The ODU defense allowed 66 first half yards to Virginia, and just 244 in the game in last week’s 28-17 loss to the Cavaliers.
The 244 yards is the fewest ODU has allowed to a Power-Five opponent.
Fewest Yards Allowed Against Power-Five
| Year | Opponent | Yards Allowed |
| 2019 | at Virginia | 244 |
| 2013 | at Pittsburgh | 370 |
Defense Take Two
Through three games, ODU leads Conference USA in rush defense and ranks 21st in FBS, allowing 89.7 yards per game on the ground. The Monarchs are second in total defense only to UAB, allowing 305.0 yards per game.
| Rank | Team | Rush Defense |
| 1. | Old Dominion | 89.7 |
| 2. | UAB | 95.3 |
| Rank | Team | Total Defense |
| 1. | UAB | 281.0 |
| 2. | Old Dominion | 305.0 |
| 3. | Charlotte | 351.2 |
Halling Them In
Geronda Hall continues his progession at the nickel position as he notched a career-best and team high 10 tackles at UVA. Hall is tied with Lawrence Garner for a team-high 25 tackles.
Hall This Season
| Opponent | Tackles |
| Norfolk State | 8 |
| Virginia Tech | 7 |
| Virginia | 10 |
Offense to Defense
Keion White had 11 catches for 124 yards at tight end last season and would have been ODU’s second leading receiver this season. But White was moved to defensive end this spring and has thrived. He had six tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and a sack at No. 21 Virginia.
He is fifth on the team with 16 tackles and leads the squad with 6.0 tackles for loss.