Villanova Football Can’t Keep Up With Monmouth in CAA Opener

Villanova Football couldn’t recover after falling into a 31-7 first half hole on the road against No. 21 Monmouth on Saturday, Sept. 20, suffering a lopsided 51-33 loss.

Hawks quarterback Derek Robertson completed six of seven passes for 200 yards and a pair of touchdowns in the first quarter alone, including deep shots of 75 and 72 yards. The No. 11 Wildcats (1-2, 0-1 CAA) began with an efficient offense, responding with a six play, 67 yard touchdown drive after Monmouth surged ahead on the second play of the game.

The Hawks continued to pour it on — Robertson finished his day with 20-of-30 passes completed for 397 yards and four touchdowns and lead back Rodney Nelson carried the ball 33 times for 186 yards and two touchdowns — while Villanova’s offense bogged down following their opening drive.

Two promising drives in the second quarter ended courtesy of a red zone fumble and a holding penalty, further limiting the Wildcats’ ability to keep pace with Monmouth. Villanova cut the deficit to 31-14 at the half on a two-yard touchdown carry from David Avit, giving them a chance to mount a comeback as they received the third quarter’s opening kickoff.

Quarterback Pat McQuaide found Braden Reed for a 40-yard pass out of the break, setting up a 19-yard touchdown carry for Avit that pulled the Wildcats within ten points. The glimmer of hope didn’t last long, as Monmouth bookended a Villanova three-and-out with two quick touchdown drives. Avit recorded his third rushing touchdown of the game later in the quarter, but the Hawks only needed to burn clock in the fourth while nursing a two touchdown lead.

Villanova Football will return to their home stadium on Saturday, Sept. 27 when they host William & Mary beginning at 3:30 p.m.