NORFOLK, Va. - Old Dominion used three first-quarter turnovers by Southern Mississippi to get out to an early 21-0 lead. Monarchs (7-3, 5-1 C-USA) linebacker TJ Ricks forced a fumble and recovered two inside Eagles (5-5, 3-3 C-USA) territory. The 51-35 victory keeps Old Dominion undefeated at home this season.
David Washington only had to throw the ball 18 times, completing 12 and throwing for two touchdowns. He also had three rushes for 28 yards.
The running game continued to be productive for the Monarchs. They averaged 6.8 yards per rush, accumulating 170 yards collectively on 31 carries. Jeremy Cox led the brigade with 77 yards and two touchdowns on four carries. Ray Lawry followed up with 17 carries for 71 yards and two touchdowns.
The Monarchs remain 1.5 games behind Western Kentucky for first in the C-USA East. They hit the road next week for a matchup with Florida Atlantic.
