Written by Christian Bateman
Tomorrow night under the lights at Kornblau Field at S.B. Ballard Stadium in Norfolk, Old Dominion will host East Carolina in a great matchup.
Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. ET, with the Monarchs looking to earn their first FBS victory of the season and bounce back from last week's 44-21 loss at Virginia Tech.
Here are a few key storylines heading into Saturday night.
East Carolina’s Key Weapon: Ashton Gray
One of the bright spots early this season for the Pirates has been Ashton Gray.
Gray transferred to East Carolina from North Texas during the offseason after making an impact in the Mean Green backfield. In 2025, Gray rushed for 383 yards on 58 carries, while also recording five rushing touchdowns.
After being held to just 17 rushing yards on six carries against Alabama, Gray found his rhythm against Appalachian State last week, carrying the ball 16 times for 99 yards.
His ability to establish the run could be important for an ECU offense that also features quarterback Mitch Griffis.
Griffis, a graduate transfer from Texas Tech who previously played at Wake Forest, has thrown for 367 yards and three touchdowns through ECU's first two games of the season.
If Gray can consistently find running lanes, it could create additional opportunities for the Pirates' offense throughout the night.
Can ODU’s Offense Put Together a Complete Performance?
Perhaps the biggest question heading into Saturday night is whether the Monarchs can put together a complete offensive performance against an ECU defense that has faced two FBS opponents to open the season.
ODU's playmakers — including Josh Rodriguez, JJ Harrell and Quinn Henicle — will look to build on the flashes they showed against Virginia Tech.
Despite the 44-21 loss, Henicle produced 270 total yards, including a career-high 187 passing yards and an explosive 76-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter. Rodriguez also recorded career highs with three receptions for 89 yards.
The challenge for ODU will be finding that level of offensive production earlier in the game and sustaining it for four quarters.
Head coach Ricky Rahne and his staff will look for the Monarchs to establish momentum early, sustain drives and put pressure on an ECU defense that has already faced Alabama and Appalachian State this season.
Can the Monarchs Bounce Back at Home?
There is no shortage of playmaking ability on the ODU roster.
The Monarchs opened the season with a 31-10 win over Norfolk State before falling to Virginia Tech the following week. Saturday's matchup with ECU gives ODU an opportunity to return home and get back into the win column.
Quinn Henicle, a redshirt sophomore quarterback, will lead the Monarchs' offense after gaining valuable experience over the first two games of the season.
For ODU, the objective is straightforward: put together a complete performance and secure the program's first FBS win of the 2026 season.
ECU enters the matchup at 0-2 after losses to Alabama and Appalachian State and will be looking to get its season moving in the right direction.
With two great programs meeting under the lights in Norfolk, Saturday night sets up for an intriguing matchup between the Monarchs and Pirates.
TUNE IN
East Carolina Pirates vs. Old Dominion Monarchs
Saturday, Sept. 19 | 6 p.m. ET
Kornblau Field at S.B. Ballard Stadium | Norfolk, Virginia
Streaming live on ESPN+
GMG Athletics will be on the field covering the action.