Millions tuned in to watch Old Dominion University football on November 13 during a prime time, nationally televised game against Troy. The day began with a cake-eating contest, raffle giveaways and a live DJ, leading into ESPN SportsCenter Live on Kaufman Mall, where fans celebrated their school spirit. Gameday highlights included a parachute jump and a halftime drone show in honor of Military Appreciation Week. Photos Chuck Thomas and Michael Dibari/ODU
Members of the University's ROTC turn out in force for SportsCenter Live, showing their support for the Monarchs and debuting their new cannon. Photo Chuck Thomas/ODU
ODU fans pack the set for ESPN’s SportsCenter Live broadcast, waving signs and Bigheads of their favorite players to show their support. Photo Chuck Thomas/ODU
Matt Barrie (right), ESPN SportsCenter anchor, joins ODU head football coach Ricky Rahne in a toast before they take a bite of the Big Blue Smash Burger. Photo Chuck Thomas/ODU
ESPN host and commentator Harry Lyles, Jr., reacts after being dunked on Kaufman Mall. The festivities were part of ESPN’s SportsCenter Live, ending with the football team beating Troy 33-0. Photo Michael DiBari/ODU
Big Blue pauses during the national anthem before Thursday’s football game. Photo Michael DiBari/ODU
As part of the military salute, the Patriot Parachute Team thrills fans with a stunning night jump into S. B. Ballard Stadium at Foreman Field. Photo Chuck Thomas/ODU
The Patriot Parachute Team, made up of former Navy SEALs as well as their canine companion, a Frog Dog K9, parachute onto the field before the game. Photo Michael DiBari/ODU
Big Blue enjoys the halftime drone show Thursday night. Photo Michael DiBari/ODU
Uncle Sam takes a moment to fist-bump some military officers on the sideline during the Monarchs' game against Troy. Photo Michael DiBari/ODU
There was no ice cream or cake at the game, but this player's ice keeps things cool as the Monarchs dominate Troy with a 33-0 victory. Photo Chuck Thomas/ODU
Big Blue poses for a photo during the halftime drone show, where shifting figures and colors light up the sky as part of Military Appreciation Week until the Monarchs return to the field. Photo Chuck Thomas/ODU
Wide receiver Tre Brown III evades a defender after making a catch, helping the Monarchs roll past Troy in a 33–0 victory. Photo Chuck Thomas/ODU
Head coach Ricky Rahne watches as Old Dominion University crushes Troy 33-0 under the bright lights of national television, securing the program’s first winning season in nine years and clinching a bowl berth. Photo Chuck Thomas/ODU
The Monarchs' defense limits Troy to only 138 total yards and records nine sacks on quarterback Will Crowder. Photo Chuck Thomas/ODU
Seth Naotala keeps the pressure on Troy quarterback Will Crowder as the Monarchs pile up a school-record nine sacks. The 138 yards allowed marked the fewest in program history, and the Monarchs recorded their first shutout since 2017. Photo Chuck Thomas/ODU
Members of the University's ROTC turn out in force for SportsCenter Live, showing their support for the Monarchs and debuting their new cannon. Photo Chuck Thomas/ODU
ODU fans pack the set for ESPN’s SportsCenter Live broadcast, waving signs and Bigheads of their favorite players to show their support. Photo Chuck Thomas/ODU
Matt Barrie (right), ESPN SportsCenter anchor, joins ODU head football coach Ricky Rahne in a toast before they take a bite of the Big Blue Smash Burger. Photo Chuck Thomas/ODU
ESPN host and commentator Harry Lyles, Jr., reacts after being dunked on Kaufman Mall. The festivities were part of ESPN’s SportsCenter Live, ending with the football team beating Troy 33-0. Photo Michael DiBari/ODU
Big Blue pauses during the national anthem before Thursday’s football game. Photo Michael DiBari/ODU
As part of the military salute, the Patriot Parachute Team thrills fans with a stunning night jump into S. B. Ballard Stadium at Foreman Field. Photo Chuck Thomas/ODU
The Patriot Parachute Team, made up of former Navy SEALs as well as their canine companion, a Frog Dog K9, parachute onto the field before the game. Photo Michael DiBari/ODU
Big Blue enjoys the halftime drone show Thursday night. Photo Michael DiBari/ODU
Uncle Sam takes a moment to fist-bump some military officers on the sideline during the Monarchs' game against Troy. Photo Michael DiBari/ODU
There was no ice cream or cake at the game, but this player's ice keeps things cool as the Monarchs dominate Troy with a 33-0 victory. Photo Chuck Thomas/ODU
Big Blue poses for a photo during the halftime drone show, where shifting figures and colors light up the sky as part of Military Appreciation Week until the Monarchs return to the field. Photo Chuck Thomas/ODU
Wide receiver Tre Brown III evades a defender after making a catch, helping the Monarchs roll past Troy in a 33–0 victory. Photo Chuck Thomas/ODU
Head coach Ricky Rahne watches as Old Dominion University crushes Troy 33-0 under the bright lights of national television, securing the program’s first winning season in nine years and clinching a bowl berth. Photo Chuck Thomas/ODU
The Monarchs' defense limits Troy to only 138 total yards and records nine sacks on quarterback Will Crowder. Photo Chuck Thomas/ODU
Seth Naotala keeps the pressure on Troy quarterback Will Crowder as the Monarchs pile up a school-record nine sacks. The 138 yards allowed marked the fewest in program history, and the Monarchs recorded their first shutout since 2017. Photo Chuck Thomas/ODU