Old Dominion Crushes Georgia Southern in Week 13, 45-10

The Georgia Southern Eagles get dominated in their final home game of the season, 45-10, by the Old Dominion Monarchs. ODU covered the 10-point spread easily and the game stayed under the 62-point total. With that in mind, let’s dive into this Georgia Southern vs. Old Dominion 2025 college football recap.

Georgia Southern vs. Old Dominion: 2025 College Football Recap

Coming Out Flat

Georgia Southern started with the ball and were driving into the red zone before quarterback JC French threw an interception to Monarch defensive back Jerome Carter, who returned the interception for 28 yards. Just three plays later, running back Ke’Travion Hargrove ran in his first touchdown of the game.

The Eagles offense struggled to get anything going and had a quick three-and-out after the Monarch score. When Old Dominion got the ball back, they put together a 7-play drive, with only one passing play, that ended in another rushing touchdown from Devin Roche.

Georgia Southern had another lackluster offensive possession and the Monarchs quickly got the ball back. The defense was able to hold on in the red zone this time, forcing a 28-yard Monarch field goal. Unfortunately, the defensive stand did not matter.

The Eagles offense still could not find any success against the Monarch’s defense. Another punt from led to another 7-play drive from the Monarchs, ending with a 16-yard touchdown catch by Monarch tight end Jailen Butler. It was 24-0 with plenty of time left in the second quarter – and the blowout was underway.

Georgia Southern would punt once again, and the ODU offense still could not be stopped. An 8-play drive ended with Hargrove’s second touchdown run of the game, after quarterback Colton Joseph put his team at the 2-yard line with a 21-yard rush. It was 31-0 in the second quarter, and fans were beginning to leave.

The Eagles had a little under four minutes before the half to try and find some points. Instead, they would have another three-and-out, and the Monarchs would get one last chance to pile on more points. Luckily for the Eagles, the Monarchs could only get into field goal range, and the 27-yard attempt was no good. The halftime score was 31-0, but it should have been worse.

Beat Before the Bell

The second half was not much different than the first. The Monarchs started with the ball and wasted no time. A 10-play drive, eight of which were run plays, ended in Ke’Travion Hargrove’s third touchdown of the game. It his longest rush as well, at 12 yards.

Down 38-0, the Eagles had no choice but to start airing it out, and finally they found some success. JC French connected to Marcus Sanders Jr. on a 52-yard bomb that set them up in scoring position. However, on a 4th-and-8 in the red zone, Georgia Southern opted to kick a field goal to get points on the board. The attempt was good, and the score was now 38-3. However, fans were not happy with the decision. And perhaps worse for Southern, the Monarchs were far from finished.

Another 10-play drive, this time with nine rushing plays, ended with a Colton Joseph 20-yard touchdown run. The score was now 45-3, with the entire fourth quarter to play, and the Eagles were beat.

Georgia Southern defensive lineman MJ Stroud forced a fumble late in the game that was recovered by the Eagles. Third string quarterback Turner Helton, threw a touchdown to Dylan Gary for the Eagles only touchdown of the day.

Joseph, ODU’s quarterback threw for only 140 passing yards. However, he rushed for 189 on 20 carries. The Old Dominion coaching staff knew how to exploit this Eagles defense.

Shrine Bowl Prospects

The only player on Georgia Southern that deserves any credit after that loss is wide receiver Marcus Sanders Jr. Sanders has proven all year that he can be a dependable target and make the big catches. Standing at 6-foot-1, Sanders has the height for jump balls, but also the speed to get open on the perimeter.

The Monarchs could have almost anyone mentioned, but redshirt senior running back Ke’Travion Hargrove deserves it the most. The 6-foot, 200-pound back had a hat trick against the Eagles with three rushing touchdowns. Hargrove did not need to do much, but when he was called on in the red zone he answered. The senior ended his game with only 10 carries for 40 yards. And, of course, his three touchdowns.

Next Week: At Marshall

Georgia Southern still needs one more win to become bowl-eligible for the fourth consecutive year. They will aim to find that victory against Marshall next week. The Thundering Herd also needs one more win for bowl eligibility, so it will be a battle.

The Herd’s quarterback, Carlos Del Rio-Wilson, is much like the Monarch’s Colton Joseph. Del Rio-Wilson has 1907 passing yards on the season with 17 passing touchdowns, ranking him 43rd in FBS, and only four interceptions. He also has no issue using his legs and last week, against App State, Del Rio-Wilson had two rushing touchdowns. If the Eagles want to go bowling, they will have to find a way to stop another talented dual-threat quarterback.