The combination of a strong running game and a stellar defensive effort pushed the Old Dominion football team to a 40-17 victory over Georgia State on Saturday.

The Panthers’ defense had no answer for sophomore running back Colby Goodwyn, who rushed for 190 yards and had one touchdown. The Monarchs’ halfback averaged 7.3 yards per carry and set the tone early with a score in the first quarter to put Old Dominion up, 13-3.

Georgia State quarterbacks Bo Schlechter and Drew Little combined for only 15 completions in 44 attempts, while being picked off three times by Old Dominion.

Senior quarterback Thomas DeMarco had 126 passing yards and a touchdown in the passing game for the Monarchs, but also did damage on the ground with two rushing scores.

Old Dominion looks to continue its success at home against undefeated Hampton of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference on Saturday.

Towson remains unbeaten

After a 70-yard opening drive for Villanova resulted in a fumble in the red zone, Towson took over and set the tempo for the rest of the game, topping the Wildcats, 31-10.

Quarterback Grant Enders countered with a 47-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Dominique Booker. Enders finished the contest with 193 yards through the air and 68 in the ground game.

Running back Terrance West scored the first two touchdowns of his college career later in the game as he led the Tigers with 11 rushes.

Towson had its second-straight high-scoring game after a 40-3 victory over Morgan State in its first contest.

Villanova had a tough time holding on to the football, fumbling three times. The Wildcats also faltered on third-down offense, finishing the game 1-for-8 on third-down attempts.

Towson (2-0, 1-0 Colonial Athletic Association) tries to remain undefeated on Saturday when it takes on Colgate.

UNH tops Lehigh in OT

Wide receiver Joey Orlando had a career-high three touchdowns in his hometown of Bethlehem, Pa. to lead No. 13/16 New Hampshire to a 48-41 overtime win over Lehigh.

Orlando finished with 166 receiving yards  on 10 receptions, two receiving touchdowns and one punt return score,

He caught his second touchdown on a 25-yard pass from quarterback Kevin Decker in overtime to give the Wildcats the victory.

Decker also had an outstanding day for New Hampshire, throwing for 330 yards and three touchdowns, while rushing for 44 yards and two scores.

On the other side, Lehigh quarterback Chris Lum had a remarkable performance with six passing touchdowns. His effort helped the Mountain Hawks take a 41-38 lead with just under five minutes remaining in the game.

Nearly a minute later, Wildcats’ kicker Mike MacArthur hit a clutch 35-yard field goal to send the game into extended time. Orlando’s TD reception came on the first play of overtime for UNH.

To seal the victory for the Wildcats on the following Lehigh drive, defensive back Kyle Flemings intercepted Lum near the goal line.

UNH is now 1-1 heading into its bye week next weekend.

Christopher Corso can be reached at [email protected].