Colton Joseph leads ODU to victory over Texas State with 3 TDs
- Old Dominion's quarterback Colton Joseph had a notable performance with 111 rushing yards and three touchdowns.
- Texas State attempted to rally and narrowed the score to 17-14 in the fourth quarter.
- The victory improved ODU's record to 3-4 and showcased their rising momentum in the season.
In Norfolk, Virginia, Old Dominion University (ODU) faced off against Texas State in a closely contested football game on a Saturday afternoon. Quarterback Colton Joseph shone during this matchup, achieving impressive stats by rushing for 111 yards and scoring three touchdowns in only his fourth career start. The game saw ODU take an early 14-0 lead with Joseph contributing in the first half, showcasing his dual-threat ability. Texas State fought back, narrowing the score to 17-14 late in the fourth quarter after a 24-yard touchdown pass from Jordan McCloud to Beau Sparks. In response, ODU mounted a critical eight-play drive that culminated in Joseph’s 28-yard touchdown run, further solidifying their lead. The Monarchs’ defense proved pivotal, particularly in the game's final moments. Angelo Rankin Jr. intercepted a pass from McCloud with just over a minute remaining, effectively sealing the victory for ODU. Throughout the game, both teams showed resilience and strong competitive spirit. Texas State's McCloud, who entered the game leading the Sun Belt in total offense at an average of 319 yards per game, faced challenges with two interceptions. Meanwhile, Ismail Mahdi of Texas State had a standout performance, rushing for 139 yards on 25 carries. This win marked ODU’s third victory in their last four games, improving their overall record to 3-4 and placing them at 2-1 in the Sun Belt conference. The match showcased ODU's ability to perform under pressure and established Joseph as a key player on the team.