It was a cloudy Saturday, Sep 26, at S.B. Ballard Stadium. At sunset, a slight wind chill produced a chilly night. The seats were filled, and the Monarch fans were excited for the first Sun Belt Conference game of the season. 

In the first quarter, ODU was scoreless on the first drive and pushed back negative 16 yards. ODU struggled to get the ball past the 50-yard line on the first drive. ODU’s second drive ended in a punt. JMU's defensive line had a massive push on ODU's offensive line the entire game. JMU’s defense forced ODU’s punt team onto the field twice. JMU's offense took the field and scored in seven plays.

ODU scored on their third drive in the first quarter. The Monarchs went 75 yards in four plays, scoring on a 23-yard touchdown pass. The pass was from #4 R. Huff to #86 L. Haughton. #10 Q. Henicle did not play in this matchup against the Dukes. JMU’s defense pressured #4 R. Huff all night with strategic blitzes.

JMU and ODU had six possessions in the second quarter. JMU started the quarter scoring on the first drive. JMU called the right plays to drive down the field and score in six plays. This drive led to a 13-yard touchdown pass from #7 C. Coleman to #0 C. Keller. JMU scored one more touchdown than the Monarchs. 

After halftime, ODU’s defense gained some leverage and stopped JMU from scoring a touchdown. JMU was held to three points. In the third quarter, ODU possessed the ball twice and punted the ball on both possessions. 

Going into the 4th quarter, JMU led by 16 points. ODU scored three points. JMU answered ODU’s field goal with a 26-yard field goal by Morgan Suarez, JMU lead increased to 19. ODU had a chance to score, but their drive was cut short. #4 R. Huff threw an interception near the seven-minute mark of the 4th quarter. 

JMU capitalized on the interception to take the lead. The JMU Dukes dethroned the ODU Monarchs 46 - 20 in the Royal Rivalry. ODU’s next matchup is Oct. 3 against Georgia St. at 3:30 pm. JMU’s next matchup is Oct. 3rd against Marshall at 3:45 pm.