NORFOLK, Va. -- Old Dominion ran for three touchdowns and the Monarch defense recorded seven sacks, as ODU defeated Albany, 31-17, in the season opener on Saturday evening at Foreman Field at S.B. Ballard Stadium.
Old Dominion (1-0) jumped out to an early lead behind Ray Lawry's 41-yard rushing touchdown in the first quarter. Brandon Simmons and Gemonta Jackson each added goal-line scores in the second quarter to provide the Monarchs with a 21-3 lead heading into halftime.
Following kicker Nick Rice's first career field goal midway through the third quarter, Albany (0-1) responded with back-to-back touchdowns to cut the ODU lead to 24-17 with 8:42 remaining.