Old Dominion played its first football game in 69 years against a Division II school from North Carolina, the Chowan Hawks, in front of a sold-out 19,782 fans.

On September 12, 2009 ODU hosted the Division II Virginia Union Panthers and won in front of another sellout crowd, 49–17.

ODU forced 4 turnovers, and quickly jumped out to a 21–0 lead in the 2nd quarter due to an unexpected onside kick.

Thomas DeMarco quickly marched his team down the field and found Dorian Jackson for a 32-yard touchdown pass with only 45 seconds remaining in the game.

ODU did not have an answer for Monmouth's running back David Sinisi who ran the ball 41 times for 216 yards, and also threw a 24-yard touchdown pass on a halfback option play.

The Monarchs traveled to The Bronx to face off against the Fordham University Rams and future NFL draft pick John Skelton.

On the wet and muggy day, the Rams managed to outperform the Old Dominion Monarchs as Skelton threw for two touchdowns and 402 yards.

[5] After a two-point conversion play and a Carlos Davis touchdown, the Monarchs took a 29–28 lead with just under 7 minutes left in the game.

[5] The Rams regained possession with very little time left and managed to score on the pursuing drive to lead 34–29.