
Towson Tigers Upset FCS Top-Scoring Monmouth 26-14, Climbing to 4-4 with Dominant Defensive Performance
By: Erich Miller, contributing writer
Coming off a tough loss on homecoming weekend, the Towson Tigers stormed back this week defeating Monmouth, the top scoring FCS offense, 26-14.
The Monmouth Hawks, the highest scoring team in the FCS, was held to their lowest scoring game of the season with just 14 points. Towson now moves to 4-4 overall and 2-2 in the CAA
The game kicked off with strong defensive performances from both teams early into the competition. Towson’s defense stifled Monmouth’s high powering offense early. Despite Monmouth averaging 44 ppg, they could never find their footing against the Tigers, forcing two turnovers and two turnovers on downs.
Towson opened up the scoring early into the second quarter when running back, Tyrell Green Jr.,broke away for a 10 yard score, jolting the Tigers into the lead 7-0. Monmouth had an immediate answer, as they drove down the field, while also converting a 4th and 1 tying the game 7-7 with 8 minutes left in the half. Towson got the upper hand before half however on the high powered Monmouth offense. Towson kicked a 22 yard field goal from kicker Keegan Vaughan, taking a 10-7 lead into half.
On the first possession of the second half Towson’s momentum was not faltered as Quarterback Sean Brown was able to complete passes to Sam Reynolds, and John Dunmore putting them in the red zone. Brown completed a three yard pass to Carter Runyun to put the Tigers up 17-7.
Monmouth answered quickly as their passing game got going on their first drive in the second half. Monmouth QB, Derek Robertson completed seven passes, including a 33-yarder to Gavin Nelson for a touchdown. Towson led 17-14 with 3:56 to go in the third. This would be the last time Monmouth’s offense saw the endzone.
The Towson offense continued to be efficient as they once more drove down the field, getting into the red zone again. A kick knocked in from Vaughan pushed the Tigers lead to 20-14 in the final seconds of the third. The Towson defense stepped up as Defensive Back Kam Snell delivered a crucial hit on fourth down to hold the Monmouth offense.
Towson went down the field again on short passes as Brown connected with Runyon once more for a six yard score putting the Tigers up 26-14 halfway through the fourth. The Towson defense stepped up once more as Nchabanu Fortaboh forced a fumble on the quarterback, recovered by Snell to get Towson back possession.
Notable performances included Sean Brown’s 240 passing yards and two touchdowns, and Devin Matthews, who rushed for 75 yards, surpassing 2,000 career rushing yards, and becoming only the seventh Tiger to ever do so. Defensively, Myles Brodie and Xavier Terry led the charge with multiple tackles and a crucial interception. This is the third time this season Towson has held an opponent to 14 points or fewer.
The Tigers continue on the road next week as they prepare for one of their most challenging games all season. The Tigers head to No.18 Richmond on Nov. 2 at 2 p.m. Having already beaten a ranked opponent this year, The Tigers look to pull off another upset pushing momentum in the final month of the season.