Old Dominion's football team won a big game Saturday night in front of a crowd of more than 18,000. ODU's new, up-tempo offense helped rally the Monarchs to a 38-31 win over the Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns in their home opener. Photos by Chuck Thomas and Nicholas Clark/ODU.

ODU's defense overwhelms a Louisiana-Lafayette player during their home opener at S.B. Ballard Stadium. Photo by Chuck Thomas/ODU

ODU fans proudly flaunt their swag as the Monarchs score a touchdown against Louisiana-Lafayette. Photo by Chuck Thomas/ODU

ODU wide receiver Isiah Paige triumphantly signals for a first down. Photo by Chuck Thomas/ODU

Keshawn Wicks had a career-best performance, rushing 17 times for 103 yards. Photo Chuck Thomas/ODU

Defensive tackle Jahlil Taylor makes a crucial stop, preventing a touchdown by tackling Louisiana-Lafayette’s wide receiver Charles Roberts 1 yard short of the goal line. Photo by Chuck Thomas/ODU

This Monarch stands tall, proudly representing Virginia within the enthusiastic crowd. Photo by Chuck Thomas/ODU

Two spirited Monarchs cheer on ODU’s football team during their home opener against Louisiana-Lafayette. Photo by Chuck Thomas/ODU

ODU's quarterback Grant Wilson relies on his agility to elude a Louisiana-Lafayette defender. Photo by Chuck Thomas/ODU

ODU quarterback Grant Wilson shares a celebratory moment with Reymello Murphy after a Monarchs touchdown. Photo by Chuck Thomas/ODU

The Monarchs' Kelby Williams rejoices after scoring a touchdown. Photo by Chuck Thomas/ODU

Despite the rain, ODU’s Dynasty Dance team keeps the fans pumped up. Photo by Chuck Thomas/ODU

The Dynasty Dance team performs during a break in the game. Photo by Nicholas Clark/ODU

The Monarchs' Javon Harvey celebrates after the win against Louisiana-Lafayette. Photo by Nicholas Clark/ODU

A group of football players tackle a player on the other team.
Two fans hold up shirts during a football game.
A football player points his arm forward to signal first down.
A football player runs on the field.
A football player defends a player on the other team.
A football fan celebrates in the stands.
Two football fans celebrate in the stands.
A football player runs away from a defender during a game.
Two football players embrace each other after a big play.
A football player celebrates after a big play.
Two cheerleaders perform at a football game.
A group of cheerleaders dance on a football field.
A football player stands on the field with fireworks going off in the background.

ODU's defense overwhelms a Louisiana-Lafayette player during their home opener at S.B. Ballard Stadium. Photo by Chuck Thomas/ODU

ODU fans proudly flaunt their swag as the Monarchs score a touchdown against Louisiana-Lafayette. Photo by Chuck Thomas/ODU

ODU wide receiver Isiah Paige triumphantly signals for a first down. Photo by Chuck Thomas/ODU

Keshawn Wicks had a career-best performance, rushing 17 times for 103 yards. Photo Chuck Thomas/ODU

Defensive tackle Jahlil Taylor makes a crucial stop, preventing a touchdown by tackling Louisiana-Lafayette’s wide receiver Charles Roberts 1 yard short of the goal line. Photo by Chuck Thomas/ODU

This Monarch stands tall, proudly representing Virginia within the enthusiastic crowd. Photo by Chuck Thomas/ODU

Two spirited Monarchs cheer on ODU’s football team during their home opener against Louisiana-Lafayette. Photo by Chuck Thomas/ODU

ODU's quarterback Grant Wilson relies on his agility to elude a Louisiana-Lafayette defender. Photo by Chuck Thomas/ODU

ODU quarterback Grant Wilson shares a celebratory moment with Reymello Murphy after a Monarchs touchdown. Photo by Chuck Thomas/ODU

The Monarchs' Kelby Williams rejoices after scoring a touchdown. Photo by Chuck Thomas/ODU

Despite the rain, ODU’s Dynasty Dance team keeps the fans pumped up. Photo by Chuck Thomas/ODU

The Dynasty Dance team performs during a break in the game. Photo by Nicholas Clark/ODU

The Monarchs' Javon Harvey celebrates after the win against Louisiana-Lafayette. Photo by Nicholas Clark/ODU