NC Central vs. ODU Recap

By David Asbury

Total Domination
The Monarchs earned their first win of the season by dominating the NC Central Eagles 54-6.  The first time scoring over fifty points since they beat Charlotte 56-34 in 2021.  Beating up on an FCS team is expected.  Most teams do so.  For instance JMU beat Weber State 45-10.  Other Sun Belt teams struggled to put away their easy FCS team.  App. State won their FCS game by only 20-13.  Coastal Carolina beat their FCS opponent by only 13-0.  ODU didn't struggle though.  They dominated and came a win closer to bowl eligibility.  ODU is now 9-0 against FCS teams since moving up to FBS.

I do have some notes though.  As Joseph said himself, there were times where he was a little "sloppy."  Particularly, with his fumble early in the game.  He's had some turnover issues going back to the App. State game last year.  But it is hard to criticize a performance where he completed 19 of his 24 passes for 257 yards and three touchdowns.  He also ran for 52 yards, but it seemed clear the Monarchs wanted to get the passing game going and give opportunities to the receivers.  A number of receivers stepped up to the opportunity with Ja'Cory Thomas leading the pack in receptions (6) and yards (86).  Thomas was also one of three different receivers to catch a touchdown.  The passing game took a huge step in the right direction from week 1.

It's also worth noting that WR Tre Brown (4 receptions for 74 yards) kicked off the scoring by tackling NCCU's punter in the endzone for Old Dominion's first safety since the 2023 game against Georgia State. Brown would later get a blocked punt as well, ODU's 16th blocked punt since 2021.

Ja'Cory Thomas celebrates a first down. Photo Courtesy of CB Sports Photography.

The running game was effective and explosive, netting 267 rushing yards.  163 of which came from Trequan Jones breaking off GIANT runs in the second half.  He scored three touchdowns and broke the record for the longest rush in ODU history with a 93-yard run. Jones seized his opportunities and everything on the offensive line synched up to create gaps to get him to the second level and beyond.  Outside of a few stuffed runs and Joseph's one turnover, it was a perfectly balanced offensive effort.

Trequan Jones runs over a NCCU defender. Photo Courtesy of CB Sports Photography.

Turning to the defense, they also played a great game.  Limiting the Eagles' offense to only 238 yards.  The passing defense shined allowing just 3.8 yards per Eagles attempt.  The defense even caused some turnovers as Jerome Carter and Brandon Crutchfield both caught their career-first interceptions.  But, as many noticed, Jason Henderson did not play.  With his absence and Koa Naotala's injury, third string inside linebacker Seth Naotala got the start.  Seth played well (and his hair looked great) making 7 tackles and 1.5 TFLs, leading the Monarchs alongside Mario Easterly in tackles. 

Jerome Carter (12) and Jahleel Culbreath (34) celebrate Carter's interception. Photo Courtesy of CB Sports Photography.

Last night, Henderson announced on his Instagram account that he "will step away from being a football player."  Football is a lot of pressure and he has already done enough to be an ODU Hall of Famer.  We should support his decision and support him for whatever comes next for the All American and ODU's all-time tackle leader (432 tackles). He's earned that from ODU fans by his play on the field and his demeanor off of it. 

Overall, this was about as good of a tune-up game as it gets.  Every unit contributed, the bench got significant playing time and (hopefully) the passing game found their groove as the season gets kicked into high gear.  The Monarchs have two more non-conference games in Virginia Tech and Liberty, then a strong slate of conference foes.  Saturday was a lot of fun, but it is over and now is the time to focus on making a real push for a bowl game or even better, a Sun Belt Championship.