WEST LONG BRANCH – With just two games remaining in their regular season, Monmouth University is eager to bounce back from last week’s disappointing loss to New Hampshire and reaffirm their position as one of the top teams in the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA). This Saturday, the Hawks will face North Carolina A&T, and they will need a convincing victory to dispel doubts and reestablish their dominance.
Despite being a favorite, Monmouth knows that securing a win on the road in the CAA is no easy feat, especially against a team like the Aggies, who have struggled this season. North Carolina A&T enters the matchup with a record of 2-8 overall and 2-4 in the conference. The Hawks aim to capitalize on the Aggies’ recent lackluster performance, including a heavy defeat against Towson (62-9) and a loss to Stony Brook (38-12). In their last game, All-American quarterback Derek Robertson suffered an injury and is ruled out, creating an opportunity for Monmouth to exploit A&T’s vulnerabilities.
The Hawks’ offensive line, which faced criticism after the game against New Hampshire, will be under pressure to assert itself once again. Monmouth’s running game has been a cornerstone of their offense, with standout running back Rodney Nelson previously delivering impressive performances. The team will look to return to their strong rushing attack to gain momentum.
Defensively, Monmouth was once among the CAA’s leaders in sacks and defensive prowess but faltered in the latter stages of the New Hampshire game. To succeed against A&T, the Hawks will need to tighten their defense and put pressure on the Aggies’ quarterback, Kevin White. Despite his capabilities, White has faced challenges in recent games, which presents an advantageous situation for Monmouth’s defense to regain its form.
On the other side, North Carolina A&T’s offense has not fared well this season, sitting at the bottom of the CAA rankings in both points scored and total yardage. This presents a prime opportunity for Monmouth’s defense to shine and showcase their improvements. With a renewed focus on execution and consistency, they can solidify their position ahead of the playoffs.
As the Hawks prepare for what is expected to be a spirited contest, the stakes have never been higher. The possibility of claiming a conference title based on point differentials and the chance for a first-round bye in the playoffs hang in the balance. Monmouth must deliver a decisive performance to secure victory and maintain their momentum as they head toward the final stretch of the season.
With an average attendance of around 13,500 at North Carolina A&T games, the atmosphere will be electric, and Hawk fans can expect a challenging environment. Monmouth needs to stay focused and leverage its strengths to achieve a much-needed win while making a statement across the conference.