Quinn Henicle shines with four touchdowns in ODU's victory over Arkansas State
- Quinn Henicle led Old Dominion with a total of four touchdowns, showcasing both his rushing and passing capabilities.
- Arkansas State struggled despite strong performances from Jaylen Raynor and Corey Rucker, who set a receiving record.
- The thrilling game concluded with ODU securing a 40-32 win, emphasizing Henicle's emergence as a notable player for the team.
In a thrilling college football game in Jonesboro, Arkansas, Old Dominion University (ODU) faced off against Arkansas State. Freshman quarterback Quinn Henicle made headlines during his first start, showcasing his impressive dual-threat ability. Henicle ran for a total of 205 yards on 18 carries, including a spectacular 92-yard touchdown run on the very first play of ODU's offense. On top of his rushing success, he also threw for 143 yards, completing 9 of 12 passes and connecting for two touchdown passes to receiver Pat Conroy, who finished the game with 90 yards receiving. ODU entered this matchup with a record of 5-7, looking to make an impact in their final game of the season. Arkansas State entered the game boasting a 7-5 record overall and a competitive 5-3 mark in the Sun Belt Conference. Their quarterback, Jaylen Raynor, had notable success of his own, completing 22 passes for 261 yards and throwing three touchdowns, although he also had one interception. Arkansas State's Corey Rucker set a milestone during the game by achieving a school record for all-time receiving yards, surpassing the previous record of 2,826 yards, held by J.D. McKissic. The game was competitive from the outset. ODU established a lead of 21-14 by halftime, thanks to Henicle's explosive running game and key plays from his teammates. The third quarter proved to be eventful, as both teams showcased their scoring ability, combining for 34 points. Despite being pressured, the Monarchs maintained their lead, ending the third quarter up by 40-29. As the game moved into the final quarter, Arkansas State attempted a comeback, making the score closer with a field goal six minutes before the end of the game. However, ODU's earlier scoring and Henicle’s leadership proved to be decisive as the Monarchs secured a hard-fought 40-32 victory. This win not only marked a successful end to ODU's season but also highlighted Henicle's potential as a rising star in college football, especially after experiencing a series of close games throughout the season. ODU has been involved in numerous tight contests and this victory further emphasized their ability to compete in high-pressure situations.