ODU beats Va. Tech again 20-17. It was the second time in four years that the Monarchs have beaten the Power 5 Hokies. It wasn’t pretty, but they’ll certainly take it.
ODU Beats Va. Tech Again
When I say it wasn’t pretty, consider this:
- ODU was just 2 of 15 on 3rd down conversions.
- The Monarchs gained just 80 yards rushing (2.4 ypc)
- Va. Tech committed 5 turnovers.
- The Hokies racked up 121 yards in penalties.
Va. Tech QB Grant Wells (a Marshall transfer) turned in the poorest of poor performances Friday night, as he threw four INTs vs one touchdown pass. He completed 21/36 passes (58%) for 197 yards. His QBR rating for the game was 31.7.
One of those INTs came at the 3:59 mark of the 4th quarter, with the Hokies up 17-13. ODU capitalized on that turnover and engineered a game-winning drive from its own 41-yard line. With 2:25 left on the game clock, ODU RB Blake Watson scored on a 1-yard run to give the Monarchs a 20-17 lead.
It was Watson’s only touchdown of the game. In addition, Watson rushed for 56 yards.
Wells, attempting to lead the Hokies back down the field to tie that game, threw his fourth and final INT of the game with 0:26 seconds left in the game. That INT sealed the victory for Old Dominion.
Monarchs QB Hayden Wolff passed for 165 yards, but no touchdowns. WR Ali Jennings caught 5 passes for 122 yards.
On defense, ODU’s Robert Kennedy III had a scoop and score with a 25-yard fumble return for a touchdown. In addition, he contributed seven tackles. He also recovered another fumble. Jason Henderson led the team in tackles with 16.
The Series
The series is now tied at 2-2. The Monarchs beat the Hokies once before in 2018, winning 49-35.
Old Dominion travels to play East Carolina next Saturday. In Week 2, Va. Tech hosts Boston College.
Thanks for reading.
