Four Takeaways From Monmouth's 49-28 Victory Over Fordham

WEST LONG BRANCH – Monmouth University football – No.18 in the latest AFCA weekly FCS football rankings – soundly defeated Fordham 49-28 Saturday for their second road win in as many games to start the season 2-0 for the first time since the Spring 2021 season. Below are four takeaways from the game.

ROBERTSON SHAKES OFF SLOW START TO BREAK NUMEROUS PROGRAM RECORDS

Quarterback Derek Robertson’s first three passes of the game were incomplete, and his fourth was intercepted at the Hawks’ 25-yard line. From there, the Rams drove 25 yards in four plays to take a quick 7-0 lead. However, from that point on, Robertson completed 30-of-40 passes for 342 yards and six passing touchdowns, while adding a rushing touchdown as well. His seven total touchdowns set a Monmouth program record, as did his six passing touchdowns. His 342 passing yards marked the tenth time he had surpassed 300 yards passing in a game, which coincidentally also set a Monmouth program record. Once Robertson put his groove on, there was no looking back as the Hawks went on to score touchdowns on their next four possessions and five out of their next six possessions – all of which were Robertson passing touchdowns - to take a 34-21 halftime lead. Robertson added a rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter and a sixth passing touchdown with 1:56 left in the fourth quarter to put the game away for good. On Monday, Robertson was named the CAA Offensive Player of the Week.

MONMOUTH’S EMERGING DEFENSE NEEDS TO BE MORE CONSISTENT

Monmouth’s defense surrendered three first-half touchdowns and 203 yards of total offense on Fordham’s first five possessions of the game, but settled down after that. They held the Rams offense to seven points the rest of the way, combining a “bend, don’t break” defense along with some timely forced turnovers. Following Fordham’s third touchdown of the first half, Monmouth’s defense forced punts on the Rams' ensuing two possessions. It forced a fumble on Fordham’s final possession of the half when junior end Josiah Graham sacked quarterback Gunner Smith, causing a fumble that transfer linebacker Ryan Russo pounced on at the Monmouth 39-yard line. Monmouth’s offense then took advantage of the defensive stops and turned a 21-21 game into a 34-21 halftime lead. Fordham went 75 yards on its first possession of the second half to cut the lead to 34-28 and was deep in Monmouth territory on their ensuing possession with a chance to take the lead. However, Graham sacked Smith, and two plays later Russo intercepted Smith to end the threat. Freshman defensive end Lamont Lester Jr. had a QB hit on the interception and added a sack in the game. From there, the defense played some moneyball. Fordham’s final four possessions of the game resulted in a turnover on downs, a punt, a turnover on downs, and a sack by Russo to end the game. Monmouth’s defense recorded six sacks and 10 tackles for loss in the game. Graham, who had a monster game with 3.5 sacks, 3.5 TFL, and a forced fumble, is developing into a force along the defensive line. Russo also had a big-time game with nine tackles (four solo), one sack, 1.5 TFL, and an interception. Safety Jaeden Jones led the team in tackles for the second straight week with 11, including five solo stops. He leads the team with 22 tackles (11 solo). This defense is showing a ton of potential at times. Other times, it looks like a carbon copy of last season's porous unit. If they can avoid the peaks and valleys and play with more consistency, it has the potential to evolve into an above-average defense, which is all they’re being asked to do. If they can succeed in doing that, there is no telling how far this team can go this season.

JOSH DERRY REALLY IS “SCARY.”

Wide Receiver Josh Derry’s X handle is “SCARY DERRY.” And that could not be more appropriate. Derry, a second team All-CAA selection last season and a 2025 Preseason All-CAA selection this fall, is off to a blazing start and is putting fear into the eyes of opposing teams' defensive backs trying to cover him. On Saturday, Derry was a one-man wrecking crew, teaming up with quarterback Derek Robertson for touchdown receptions of 29, 67, 7, and 3 yards. He finished with 10 receptions for 144 yards and four touchdowns. You can throw in a two-point conversion reception, too. It was his second game in a row going over the 100-yard receiving mark after catching seven passes for 103 yards in Monmouth’s win over Colgate in the season opener. Derry currently leads the CAA in receptions (17), receiving yards (247), and touchdown receptions (4). Derry’s final touchdown reception with 1:56 remaining in the game pushed Monmouth’s lead to 49-28 and closed the door on any hope Fordham had at a comeback. Derry’s four touchdown receptions tied the all-time program record for touchdowns in a game that Miles Austin set in 2005 and Reggie White duplicated in 2018. That’s undoubtedly some good company to be a member of.

MONMOUTH’S OFFENSIVE LINE COULD BE THE BEST IN THE CAA

An offense doesn’t get this type of production without an offensive line that can protect the quarterback and open holes in the line for its running backs. Monmouth’s offensive line is doing both with great efficiency. Entering the season, Monmouth had four starters on the line returning, with the center position the only one up for grabs. Left tackle David Dutra (6-4, 280, R-Sr.), left guard Chris Moreno (6-1, 300, R-So.), right guard Shalik Hubbard (6-4, 325, R-Jr.), right tackle J.T. Cornelius (6-6, 290, Gr.) have all resumed their starting roles this season with redshirt junior Kevin Shriner (6-2, 300) winning the starting center job with a strong fall camp. Cornelius, a three-year starter and a preseason All-American selection, anchors the line that seem to know each other's intricacies like the back of their hands. Monmouth’s offense leads the CAA in points per game (45.5), total yards per game (573.5), passing yards per game (427.5), and is fifth in rushing yards per game (146.0). You don’t put up numbers like that unless your offensive line is doing some serious work. Robertson has only been sacked twice in 89 drop-backs, so his protection has been solid, and starting running back Rodney Nelson leads the CAA with 281 yards for a 140.5 average per game and a 6.1-yard average per attempt. Monmouth is known for its dominating offensive lines throughout the years, and this year's model might rank up there with the best.