The Monmouth Hawks (2-2) emerged victorious against the FIU Panthers (1-3) by the score of 45-42 this past Saturday, Sept. 21, at Pitbull Stadium. Cornerback Deuce Lee made a game-saving play, forcing a Panthers fumble at the goaline with 0:41 remaining in the game. This was a significant win for the Hawks, as it was their first victory against an FBS team in program history.
The Hawks received the ball to start the game and drove the ball down field until the 10 play 57-yard drive was spoiled by linebacker Travion Barnes. Barnes intercepted a pass attempt from Monmouth’s quarterback Derek Robertson in the red zone and ran it 85 yards to the endzone. This defensive touchdown put the Panthers up by a score of 7-0 with 9:53 left in the first quarter.
Later in the first quarter, the Panthers offense got hot and scored a touchdown on an 8 play 57-yard drive. FIU quarterback Keyone Jenkins completed multiple key passes on this drive, putting his offense in scoring position. On a 4th and Goal at Monmouth’s 1 yard line, Jenkins found wide receiver Dean Patterson in the endzone, making the score 14-0 in favor of FIU with 4:49 remaining in the first quarter of play.
After falling in an early hole, Monmouth’s offense quickly responded by formulating an eight play 81 yard drive that resulted in a touchdown of their own. Robertson’s five pass completions on this drive put the Hawks in Panthers territory, with the Hawks eventually capitalizing with a 30-yard touchdown run by running back Sone Ntoh with 1:44 to go in the first quarter. After this score, Monmouth trailed by the score of 14-7 at the end of the first quarter.
Early in the second quarter, Jenkins connected with wide receiver Eric Rivers through the air for a 30-yard gain. The next play Jenkins ran the ball 17 yards downfield to the Monmouth seven yardline, putting the Panthers in prime-scoring territory. On a second and goal with 10:53 remaining in the second quarter, running back Kejon Owens found the endzone on a 2-yard rush, giving the Panthers a commanding lead of 21-7.
Just like earlier in the game, Monmouth’s offense had a quick response, scoring a touchdown after a lengthy nine play 68-yard drive. Robertson made a key pass to sophomore wide receiver Josh Derry for a 26-yard gain to put the Hawks in the red zone. A few plays later, Ntoh found the endzone again on a 3-yard rush putting the Hawks in striking distance, trailing 21-14 with 7:03 remaining before halftime.
The Panthers offense took no time to respond with a three play 75-yard drive that resulted in a quick touchdown. Jenkins found sophomore wide receiver Juju Lewis for a big 42-yard touchdown pass, giving the Panthers a 28-14 lead with 6:01 left in the second quarter.
Before halftime, Monmouth’s offense made the plays they needed to to be able to stay in the game. Robertson completed multiple passes, targeting multiple wideouts. Monmouth decided to go for it on 4th-and-1 at the FIU 28 yardline. This decision paid off as Ntoh ran the ball for a 2-yard gain to the FIU 26 yardline. The Hawks took advantage of this successful fourth down conversion a few plays later when Robertson hooked up with senior wide receiver TJ Speight for a 4-yard touchdown pass with 1:49 left in the second quarter. This made the score 28-21 going into halftime.
At the start of the third quarter, Monmouth’s defense was ready to play, forcing a three and out immediately, which set up Monmouth’s offense in good position at their own 40-yard line to start the drive.
The Hawks took immediate advantage of this field position. Robertson connected with junior wide receiver Gavin Nelson for a 36-yard gain through the air, setting the Hawks up at the Panthers 8-yard line. A few plays later, Robertson found Nelson again on a 4-yard pass for the touchdown. This made the score 28-28 with 11:10 to go in the 3rd quarter.
The Panthers proceeded to score on their next offensive drive. Jenkins threw for 44 yards on this possession, eventually setting up Patterson for an 8-yard touchdown run which gave FIU a 35-28 lead with 8:07 remaining in the third quarter.
Monmouth proceeded to make a big play offensively when sophomore running back Rodney Nelson took the football 59 yards to the endzone for a rushing touchdown, tying the score up at 35-35 with 4:37 left in the third.
After a big defensive stop by the Hawks defense, their offense scored yet another touchdown on a 10 play drive that chewed up 3:39 of play clock. Monmouth stormed down the field and set up Ntoh for another goal line touchdown run on a 2nd-and-goal, putting the Hawks in the lead with 13:24 left in the 4th quarter by the score of 42-35.
The Panthers did not let the Hawks hold this lead for long, as the next drive they drove the ball 64 yards downfield for a touchdown on six plays. Owens took a 12-yard rush into the endzone, tying the game at 42-42 with 10:12 left in the game.
Both defenses held strong for the rest of the game, but a fumble by FIU’s tight end Josiah Miamen that was recovered by Monmouth’s linebacker Remi Johnson gave the Hawks offense prime field position at the FIU 39-yard line with 5:08 left in the game.
The Hawks took advantage of this turnover with a clutch 43-yard field goal from kicker Michael Calton Jr. with 1:52 left in the game, giving the Hawks a late 45-42 lead.
The Panthers would have one more drive on offense where they drove the ball all the way down the field, but Lee sealed the deal for the Hawks by forcing a fumble from Rivers at the 1-yard line with 0:41 left in the game.
The heads-up play from Lee, not only gave the Hawks the win, but allowed the Hawks to pull off one of their biggest wins in program history, knocking off an FBS team for the first time ever.
Monmouth will look to win three in a row when they take on the Fordham Rams (0-4) at 1pm on Saturday, Sept. 28 at Kessler Stadium.
