Monmouth NJ football vs. Maine: Scouting report, prediction

Monmouth's season started with two losses. Since then, the Hawks have won four games in a row. They play against Maine on Saturday. They are currently second in the Colonial Athletic Association standings. The team is receiving votes in both major FCS polls. It won its first game against Hampton last week. Kevin Callahan's team needs to close out the games.

Monmouth (4-2, 2-1) and Maine (1-4, 1-0) play each other at Alfond Stadium, Orono, Maine on Saturday at 1 p.m. Maine leads the series 3- 0.

Monmouth NJ football faces Maine. Monmouth gave up 238 yards against Albany last weekend. Elijah Barnwell, the former Piscataway standout, leads the Black Bears in rushing with 233 yards and a 4.8-yard average. Senior QB Joe Fagnano has been solid, throwing six TD passes and getting picked off five times.

Monmouth's offensive line helped Monmouth gain 273 rushing yards and 460 yards of offense against Albany. Maine's defense was opportunistic against Hampton, intercepting three passes. The Black Bears rank next-to-last in the CAA in points allowed at 33.8 per-game.

Monmouth's special teams have not broken a kickoff or punt return this season. Trevin Ewing is third in the CAA among kickoff returners, averaging 23.7 yards.

William & Mary knocked No. 6 Delaware from the unbeaten ranks. Monmouth is tied for fourth place in the Colonial Athletic Association with William & William.

Monmouth has five games left to play for a CAA championship. Rhode Island holds the key to Monmouth's championship dreams. Monmond has to keep winning and hope Rhode is also playing well. If Rhode doesn't, Monpool could still get in the FCS playoffs via an at-large bid. The team's next game is against Maine.

The team has flashed its potential over the past month. Here are five questions to be answered over second half of the season.

Monmouth's defense gave up 501 yards in their win over Albany. They have to be better against better-than-average offenses.

Jaden Shirden has five straight 100-yard rushing games. He has 932 yards this season. Shriden is a contender for the Walter Payton Award. He's averaging 183.4 yards-per-game.

Kevin Callahan's 30th season as Monmouth's head coach is going to be his best. Monhurst is a member of the CAA and has games televised regionally. Callahans has a career record of 177-131.

Monmouth is a member of the CAA and has received votes in both the FCS Top 25 polls the past two weeks. Monmouth has been ranked as high as No. 10 in the last two years.

Monmouth's attendance numbers are the lowest in the CAA. Last week, a crowd of 2,532 attended the win over Albany. Monmouth has the potential to be the best team they've ever had. They play Maine on Saturday. If they win, they'll play Towson.

Monmouth NJ football is playing against Maine.

Monmouth NJ football team is 4-2 and Maine is 1-4.