NORFOLK — A guard fell in the large clearing of the forest around Norfolk’s Larchmont neighborhood, and Georgia State was there to hear it.
The disturbance jarred Old Dominion awake in time to limit the noise.
Devin Roche rushed for 137 yards and two touchdowns, and the Monarchs finally put up their gloves Saturday in a 27-10 Sun Belt Conference win over outmanned Georgia State at S.B. Ballard Stadium.
The Monarchs (9-3, 6-3 Sun Belt), playing in their regular-season finale, won their fifth straight for the first time since 2021. They await their bowl destination, which will be announced next Sunday after conference championship games play out around the nation.
Colton Joseph passed for 106 yards and rushed for 108 and a score for ODU, which fell behind 10-0 and scored 27 consecutive points beginning midway through the second quarter.
Statistically one of the worst teams in the nation, Georgia State (1-11, 0-8) was held to 283 total yards while allowing 409.
The Monarchs, who last lost Oct. 18 at Sun Belt East champion James Madison, were favored by 26½ points.
David Hall, david.hall@pilotonline.com.
This is a developing story. Check back later for more, including postgame reaction.
