Monmouth NJ football: Perspective after upset of Villanova

Monmouth beat No. 9 Villanova 49-42 on Saturday. The win was a statement victory for the program.

Monmouth is 2-2, 1-1 in the CAA and has two wins. They lost to New Hampshire and Fordham in season-opening games. Now they have beaten Georgetown and are playing well. Monmouth has five league wins and is playing for the title. It has remaining home games against Albany, Rhode Island, Towson and Stony Brook. The Hawks have a road game at Maine on October 15. On November 5 they play at No. 8 Delaware.

Monmouth's offensive line was the biggest question mark this summer. Two of the starters were injured against Villanova. The line is made up of seniors. Monmouth is a top-5 offense nationally, averaging 501 yards and 41 points.

Shirden has rushed for 664 yards in four games. He is on a pace to top the 2,000-yard mark.

Tony Muskett was 11-of-17 for 161 yards and three touchdowns against Villanova. He also ran for 78 yards.

Monmouth's defense gave up 531 yards and 6 touchdowns, but made two key stops to turn the game in their favor. Monmouth was without starting cornerback Eddie Morales, with nickel back Jaylen Dotson moving into Morales’ spot.

Vincenzo Rea made all seven extra points and a 40-yard field goal against Georgetown. Ryan Kost averaged 55.5 yards on two punts.