In front of a sold-out crowd at Villanova Stadium for Family Weekend, Villanova and Monmouth engaged in a tug of war, with the Hawks narrowly defeating the Wildcats 49-42.
In front of a sold-out Villanova Stadium for Family Weekend, Villanova and Monmouth engaged in a tug of war, with the Hawks narrowly defeating the Wildcats, 49-42.
Villanova tried to come back with 22 seconds left in the game. However, a pass to the end zone slipped off Villanova receiver Jaaron Hayek’s hands on second down; and on the final play, Villanova quarterback Connor Watkins attempted a Hail Mary pass that was intercepted. The loss dropped Villanova to 2-2 , while Monmouth picked up the first CAA win in program history after joining from the Big South Conference.In the first half, Villanova’s run-defense woes continued. The Hawks ran for 119 yards, not including a 43-yard forward pitch on the opening play of the game.
Both offenses came out firing in the second half. Neither team punted, as both sides opened with three consecutive touchdown drives. Shirden had a 56-yard touchdown run, while the ensuing Villanova drive was sparked by a 44-yard reception by Hayek.