Bahamas Bowl, Eastern Michigan vs Old Dominion: Highlights, score and recap
The Old Dominion Monarchs earned the first bowl win in program history with a 24-20 win over the Eastern Michigan Eagles on Friday afternoon in the 2016 Bahamas Bowl.
Old Dominion came out aggressive and converted a fake punt near midfield as part of an opening 16-play drive that resulted only in a field goal. Eastern Michigan tried to match Old Dominion’s start on a fourth down on its own 49, but running back Ian Eriksen was stuffed in the backfield.
The Monarchs couldn’t take advantage as neither team scored again until midway through the second. While the Eagles threatened early in the second half after a Vince Calhoun interception – just the fifth of the year for Old Dominion quarterback David Washington – Brogan Roback was picked off in the end zone himself by Denzel Williams to preserve the 3-0 Monarchs lead.
Just a few plays later, Washington finally connected on a downfield pass to star receiver Zach Pascal for a 47-yard touchdown and 10-0 Old Dominion lead with 7:59 to go to the half. That score would hold until halftime, as the Eagles mismanaged the clock near the end of the first half and couldn’t get a field goal attempt off.
The Eagles’ pass protection improved early in the third quarter, as they got on the board on their opening drive with a five-yard pass from Roback to leading receiver Sergio Bailey. Ray Lawry and Old Dominion’s physical running game took over on the next possession, setting up a 31 yard touchdown pass from Washington to Travis Fulgham as the game really opened up for the first time.
Johnnie Niupalau reeled in another touchdown pass following a quick Eagles drive to cut Old Dominion’s lead to 17-14. Eastern Michigan had a great chance to take its first lead after forcing a quick punt before a lengthy drive stalled inside the 10, tying the game at 17 heading into the fourth.
Both defenses wore worn down by the heat in Nassau, as the two teams traded long drives within the first six minutes of the fourth. Old Dominion punched it in on Washington’s third touchdown pass of the game before the Eagles drove all the way to the Monarchs two yard line, only to settle for another field goal to make it a 24-20 game.
The Monarchs forced punts on the next two Eagles drives thanks to a strong pass rushing effort by the front four. With Lawry leading the way, Old Dominion was able pick up four first downs on its next drive and bleed enough clock to seal the 24-20 win.
Eastern Michigan handily outgained Old Dominion 470-390, but critical mistakes and stalled drives in the red zone kept the Eagles from a landmark bowl victory.
Highlights
Three Stars
3. TJ Ricks, LB, Old Dominion. Monarchs leading tackler helped limit Eastern Michigan on the ground while providing strong pass rush.
2. Brogan Roback, QB, Eastern Michigan. Despite facing intense pressure at times, threw for 300 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Eagles offense.
1. Ray Lawry, RB, Old Dominion. Overcame a slow start to pile up 23 carries for 133 yards and helped seal the game on Old Dominion’s final drive.
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Next Season
Eastern Michigan will look to sustain its success under Creighton, while Old Dominion will enter the season as a contender to win the Conference USA title.