Well rested and ready to go, ODU came off their bye week and traveled to Ohio to take on Bowling Green on Saturday. After a hard-fought game, where touchdowns were traded for touchdowns, the Monarchs would leave Doyt L. Perry Stadium victorious with a final score of 30-27, earning their first this season.
With five lead changes and two instances of a tied score, the Monarchs held on in a highly competitive game in front of over 19,000 fans. Despite a change at quarterback and little time to regain their lead as the game neared its end, the offense was able to find their spark and connect to come out with a win.
In the opening stages of the game, the Monarchs initiated an impressive eight-play, 75-yard touchdown drive. Quarterback Grant Wilson’s 30-yard run on their sole third down of the possession sparked the drive to life. Subsequently, a 17-yard run by running back Aaron Young and a 10-yard reception by wide receiver Isiah Paige set the stage for Wilson to find tight end Pat Conroy in the end zone, culminating in a successful PAT.
Notwithstanding, Bowling Green managed to get on the scoreboard with thirty seconds remaining in the first quarter. Quarterback Connor Bazelak connected with tight end Harold Fannin Jr. for an 18-yard touchdown. However, the Monarchs concluded the quarter with a 75-yard receiving touchdown from Conroy.
The Falcons commenced the second quarter with determination, orchestrating a nine-play, 81-yard touchdown drive that consumed nearly five minutes. After converting on fourth down at ODU’s 48-yard line, Bazelak connected with wide receiver Rahkeem Smith for 28 yards, followed by a 17-yard touchdown run by running back Jaison Patterson.
ODU’s kicker, Ethan Sanchez, successfully scored a 53-yard field goal on the Monarchs’ subsequent drive. Nonetheless, the second quarter concluded with both teams missing consecutive field goal attempts, leaving ODU in the lead at halftime with a score of 17-14.
During the Monarchs’ initial possession of the second half, Wilson was sacked on third down by Bowling Green’s defensive lineman Ali Saad and sustained an injury. RS freshman Colton Joseph assumed the quarterback position for the remainder of the game. However, the only points scored in the third quarter were by the Falcons, as Bazelak connected with Fannin Jr. for a 59-yard touchdown.
Trailing 21-17 entering the fourth quarter, ODU gained momentum after safety Jahron Manning intercepted Bazelak, placing the offense in the red zone. Joseph subsequently rushed for a 14-yard touchdown, although Sanchez missed the PAT.
With under four minutes remaining in the game, the Falcons attempted a 51-yard field goal to regain the lead. Although Bowling Green’s kicker, Jackson Kleather, missed the attempt, a personal foul called on ODU cornerback Angelo Rankin Jr. awarded the Falcons a first down. Two plays later, running back Terion Stewart scored a 13-yard touchdown, giving the Falcons a 27-23 lead following an unsuccessful two-point conversion.
As the Monarchs took the field with less than three minutes remaining, their momentum only picked up after the two-minute warning. Joseph’s 15-yard reception to Conroy on fourth down secured the first down and more. Following several rushes for minor gains, Joseph’s 21-yard run set up a first and goal, enabling Young to rush for 4 yards into the end zone, propelling the Monarchs to a 30-27 lead. Bowling Green failed to respond in their final possession as time expired.
ODU displayed an enhanced passing game compared to their previous performance. However, Bowling Green surpassed them with 303 yards to ODU’s 144. Notably, ODU demonstrated dominance in the offensive line of scrimmage, amassing 189 rushing yards against Bowling Green’s 96. Despite departing the game midway, Wilson contributed 118 yards and two touchdowns with a completion rate of 6 out of 14. Conroy also secured two touchdowns with three catches and nearly reached triple digits in total yards with 99.
Head coach Ricky Rahne and quarterback Colton Joseph reflected on a pivotal moment for Old Dominion University’s football program. After a tough stretch of losses, Rahne emphasized the importance of playing for the love of the game, urging his players to channel the passion they felt as kids. Joseph, stepping into the spotlight during a crucial drive, embraced the pressure and delivered a performance that highlighted the power of collective effort. Their insights capture the heart of what it means to overcome challenges and rise to the occasion.
“Colton didn’t play anywhere near his best football tonight and that’s what I think is so special,” Rahne said, praising his quarterback’s determination. “He comes in and finishes it like that. It was just so very special.” Rahne recounted how he reminded his team to connect with their childhood dreams of playing football before the decisive final drive, encouraging them to embrace the moment.
Joseph, reflecting on that last drive, revealed his mindset: “I was energized, but not nervous. I knew we had to score to win the game… I knew the ball was in my hands. I had full control of that situation.” His confidence and the unwavering support from his teammates ultimately led to a memorable victory, underscoring the spirit of unity that defines the team.
This hard-earned victory was pivotal for both players and coaches, particularly following two close losses at the start of the season.
Next Saturday, the Monarchs will travel once again, this time to Conway, South Carolina, to face Coastal Carolina in their Sun Belt Conference opener. Although Coastal Carolina suffered a defeat against UVA in their first game of the season before their bye week, their initial two games were won with a significant average margin of 23 points. ODU currently leads the series 2-1.
