Across Campus - A Photo Essay

In a sold-out stadium, the ODU football team made its debut Friday night as a member of the Sun Belt Conference. The Monarchs spoiled the plans of the Virginia Tech Hokies when Blake Watson scored on a 1-yard run with 33 seconds to play, and Old Dominion beat Virginia Tech for the second time in as many tries on its home field, 20-17. Photos Chuck Thomas and Nicholas Clark

The Monarchs are ready to hit the gridiron in their first game as members of the Sun Belt Conference. Photo Chuck Thomas/ODU

Amorie Morrison and Levi Wentz celebrate after the win. Photo Nicholas Clark/ODU

ODU cheerleaders are excited after the football team forces a turnover. Photo Nicholas Clark/ODU

Defensive tackle Alonzo Ford Jr. celebrates with fans after the win. Photo Nicholas Clark/ODU

ODU's student section cheers after an ODU touchdown. Photo Nicholas Clark/ODU

Shawn Asbury II runs out with his team before the game against Tech. Photo Nicholas Clark/ODU

After the game, Denzel Lowry hugs a family member. Photo Nicholas Clark/ODU

The ODU spirit squad stands for the National Anthem. Photo Nicholas Clark/ODU

Robert Kennedy runs into the end zone, giving the Monarchs a 10-7 lead. Photo Chuck Thomas/ODU

After making a big interception, Tobias Harris runs to the sideline. Photo Nicholas Clark/ODU

Heather Kuntz, center, cheers as ODU gets a first down. Photo Nicholas Clark/ODU

Coach Ricky Rahne fist-bumps a fan as the football team makes its way to S.B. Ballard Stadium. Photo Chuck Thomas/ODU

This fan cheers after an ODU touchdown. Photo Chuck Thomas/ODU

The Monarch Marching Band fires up the crowd before the game. Photo Chuck Thomas/ODU

For some ODU students, this was their first American football game. Photo Chuck Thomas/ODU

Defensive end Deeve Harris sacks Virginia Tech quarterback Grant Wells. Photo Chuck Thomas/ODU

After a Virginia Tech snap sails over the placeholder's head, the Monarchs’ Robert Kennedy scoops up the ball to score a touchdown. Photo Chuck Thomas/ODU

Old Dominion safety Tahj Ra-El grabs the leg of Virginia Tech running back Keshawn King to stop the Hokies from advancing. Photo Chuck Thomas/ODU

ODU quarterback Hayden Wolff completes a pass to wide receiver Ali Jennings III a yard short of a touchdown with a minute left to play. Photo Chuck Thomas/ODU

For the second time, the ODU football team beat a Power Five school. Photo Chuck Thomas/ODU

Quarterback Hayden Wolff engineers a dramatic Old Dominion rally in the final 3 minutes, leading the Monarchs on a 74-yard touchdown drive that gave ODU a 20-17 victory over Virginia Tech. Photo Chuck Thomas/ODU