NORFOLK, Va. – Old Dominion University Athletics is bringing back the 2016 Popeyes Bahamas Bowl Championship team when ODU plays Marshall on Saturday, Oct. 31 at 1 p.m.
The 2016 team was ODU’s first team that qualified and won a bowl game. The 2016 Monarchs had a host of names that Monarch fans remember fondly, as they were led offensively by quarterback David Washington, running back Ray Lawry, and a trio of wide receivers, including Jonathan Duhart, Travis Fulgham and Zach Pascal.
Defensively, ODU was led by linebackers TJ Ricks and Anthony Wilson, a pair of former walk-ons that developed into All-Conference USA players.
The defensive line was also a powerhouse group that included Rashaad Coward, Oshane Ximines, Bunmi Rotimi, Miles Fox, Tim Ward and Daniel Appouh.
The 2016 Monarchs began the season with a 54-21 win over Hampton, before falling at Appalachian State and NC State. ODU returned home for Conference USA play and defeated UTSA and won three-straight, before a loss at WKU. But the Monarchs won five-straight, including a 38-14 win over Marshall that gave the Monarchs bowl eligibility. ODU defeated FIU, 42-28, in the final game of the regular season to finish 9-3.
The Monarchs accepted an invitation to the Popeyes Bahamas Bowl, where they defeated Eastern Michigan, 24-20. The victory gave ODU its first 10-win FBS season.
The team will be honored during a first half media timeout.