The Monmouth Hawks (3-3) dropped its first game since early September as the Delaware Blue Hens (5-0) handed the Hawks its first loss in CAA play in a back-and-forth affair. In a game where no team led by more than two possessions, the Hawks were stopped on a potential game-tying drive late in the fourth quarter to give Delaware a 42-35 victory.
After a quick three and out from the Hawks to start the game, the Blue Hens put together a solid drive that ended in a field goal. The Hawks quickly responded however, capping off a 13-play drive with a 6-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Derek Robertson to wide receiver Tra Neal.
After stopping Delaware on fourth down in Monmouth territory, the Hawks had two three and outs on back to back drives, with a Delaware field goal in between those possessions.
Following the second three and out, the Blue Hens put together a 14-play drive that ended with a 1-yard rushing touchdown by running back Marcus Yarns. A successful two-point conversation gave Delaware a 14-7 lead. On the ensuing Monmouth drive, Robertson found wide receiver TJ Speight for a one play, 87-yard touchdown to even the game up at 14 apiece heading into halftime.
Delaware opened the second half with a long 15-play drive that resulted in their second consecutive touchdown on a fourth down play. Monmouth immediately responded once again. However, wide receiver Gavin Nelson got wide open for a 72-yard touchdown, giving the Hawks their second consecutive touchdown drive that was only one play long. Delaware quickly marched down the field on their ensuing drive and converted another fourth down that resulted in a touchdown. Heading into the fourth quarter, Delaware held a 28-21 lead.
Monmouth’s next drive was once again capped off by a Robertson passing touchdown, this time to tight end Jack Neri, giving Robertson his fourth passing touchdown on the day. However, the ensuing extra point attempt was blocked by Delaware, allowing the Blue Hens to hold a one point lead.
The touchdown frenzy continued as Delaware capped a three minute, 81-yard drive with a 29-yard touchdown pass. This marked the fifth consecutive drive in the game that ended in a touchdown. It seemed like the touchdowns could continue as the Monmouth offense found itself in Delaware territory on its next drive, but a fourth down pass attempt by Robertson resulted in an interception. This would be the only turnover of the game.
Delaware took advantage of the interception as two plays later, quarterback Zach Marker found Yarns for an 86-yard touchdown pass, giving Yarns his second touchdown on the day. The touchdown gave Delaware a 42-27 lead, and it would be the only time any team led by more than one score.
Needing a touchdown, Monmouth quickly drove 60 yards in under three minutes, and running back Sone Ntoh punched in an FCS leading 13th rushing touchdown on the season. A successful two-point conversation drew Monmouth back within seven points.
After an onside kick attempt by Monmouth recovered by Delaware, the Hawks defense stood tall, stuffing Delaware on fourth down in Monmouth territory and allowing the Hawks offense one more chance to tie the game. The drive started off successfully, as the Hawks quickly worked into Delaware territory.
However, the drive stalled as Robertson threw incomplete passes on first and third down. On fourth down with the game on the line, Robertson’s pass was knocked incomplete, securing the win for Delaware.
Robertson finished the day with 361 passing yards, four touchdowns, and one interception. Robertson currently leads the FCS in passing yards on the season, with 2,037. Running back Rodney Nelson led the team in rushing, with 76 yards on 14 attempts. Speight led the team in receiving with 133 yards on six receptions, including the 87-yard touchdown.
The Blue Hens (5-0) look to keep their undefeated season alive as they return home to Newark to play the Maine Black Bears (3-2) next week, who the Hawks beat earlier in the season. Monmouth (3-3) gets a week off before returning to Kessler Stadium to play their annual homecoming game against the Bryant Bulldogs (2-3) on Saturday, Oct. 19th.
