Old Dominion Puts Out Flames With 21-7 Win

NORFOLK, Va. — Old Dominion put out the Flames Saturday night, and they did it in convincing fashion. The Monarchs not only beat Liberty 21-7, but they also doubled — and in some cases tripled — the Flames across the stat sheet.

The win was ODU’s first over Liberty since 2013, ending a four-game losing streak in the series. It also marked the 100th victory in program history and the Monarchs’ third straight win.

The first quarter ended scoreless, but not without chances. Liberty’s opening drive reached ODU’s 29-yard line, only for Jay Billingsley to miss a 46-yard field goal wide left. The Monarchs answered with a long drive of their own, but running back Trequan Jones fumbled at the Liberty 13-yard line.

“Hadn’t beat those guys since 2013… that’s definitely a checkmark we wanted to check off,” said veteran defensive end Kris Trinidad.

Even without points, ODU looked sharper, controlling the ball and moving the chains.

The second quarter is where ODU broke free. Quarterback Colton Joseph threw a 22-yard touchdown to TJ Johnson to open the scoring, then hit Ja’Cory Thomas for a 31-yard strike minutes later. The Monarchs nearly added more before halftime but fumbled again at the goal line.

Thomas finished with 100 yards and two scores.

“It just feels good… putting up that performance,” said Thomas. “Shout out to my quarterback and O-line… I just thank God.”

Joseph admitted the offense wasn’t perfect.

“The turnovers were a little sloppy… but it was a great team win besides the turnovers,” said Joseph.

At halftime, ODU had already doubled Liberty in both yards and first downs.

Liberty finally got on the board in the third quarter after Joseph’s interception set them up near the red zone. Julian Gray finished the short drive with a four-yard touchdown run to cut the lead to 14-7. But the Monarchs answered with defense and poise.

Early in the fourth, Joseph and Thomas connected again — this time on a 55-yard bomb that put ODU up 21-7. From there, the Monarchs leaned on their running backs to eat clock while the defense closed it out. Liberty’s passing game was held to just 77 yards and the Flames went 3-of-12 on third down.

By the end, the numbers told the story. ODU finished with 489 total yards compared to Liberty’s 210, doubled them in first downs 25-11, and averaged nearly seven yards per play. Even with four turnovers of their own, the Monarchs stayed in control from start to finish.

Head coach Ricky Rahne pointed to the team’s dominance in every area.

“We had over 200 yards passing, over 200 rushing,” said Rahne. “More rushing yards than they had total yards… more passing yards than they had total yards.”

On a rainy night in Norfolk, the Monarchs not only earned their first win over Liberty in 12 years but also secured the 100th victory in program history— stretching the program’s winning streak to three straight.

“This is the closest we’ve ever felt… it feels great to have these guys have your back,” said Trinidad.

The Monarchs (3-1) will return home to Norfolk, Va., on Saturday to open conference play against Coastal Carolina.