In a FCS top-25 matchup between No. 13 Villanova and No. 18 Monmouth, this one was set to be full of offense, and it delivered with Monmouth winning 51-33. 

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In just three games, Monmouth quarterback Derek Robertson has lit up opposing defenses, throwing for 1,265 yards and 14 touchdowns while rushing for another. Today he had another stellar performance adding nearly 400 yards to that total and four touchdows. 

Wildcats  quarterback in Pat McQuaide threw for more yards today than he had all season, throwing for 333. With two high-powered offenses, this one came down to defense, and the Monmouth defense was able to get more stops.

For the running backs, Monmouth's Rodney Nelson had 186 yards and two touchdowns while Villanova's David Avit had 135 yards and three touchdowns. Monmouth's wide receiver Josh Derry was the top target of the day for both teams, catching eight passes for 177 yards and two touchdowns. 

See how the action unfolded here, with the newest updates at the top as this article was updated live. 

Ball Game, Monmouth Dominates 

Villanova - 33, Monmouth - 51: FINAL

Monmouth will leave this game with a 3-1 record and 1-0 CAA record thanks to another monster offensive performance by Robertson. The Hawks put up 637 total yards of offense, with Robertson throwing for 397 yards and four touchdown.

For Villanova, McQuaide had a big game, throwing for 333 yards, but it wasn't enough to pull past the young but talented Monmouth defense.

Villanova Adds A Touchdown

Villanova - 33, Monmouth - 51, 4Q 2:15

Villanova adds a late touchdown on a pass from McQuaide to Antonio Johnson from 30 yards out. The Wildcats went for two but were unsuccessful.

INTO THE ENDZONE GOES JOHNSON!

Great play by Villanova. 👏

📺: https://t.co/HgwJeJpNYK#CAAfb | @CAAFootball | @NovaFootballINTO pic.twitter.com/lrPJen4E2b

— FloCollege | Football (@FloCollegeFB) September 20, 2025

Nelson Punches It In, Hawks Have A 50-Burger

Villanova - 27, Monmouth, 51, 4Q 10:38

Monmouth takes the Wildcat approach for Nelson again, and it's successful again. The Hawks have shifted their offense to keep the ball on the ground and eat the clock, with that last drive taking 7:31 off the clock. The extra point was no good, but the Hawks still lead comfortably.

MONMOUTH BREAKS 50 POINTS! 🚨

Another touchdown from #20 Nelson!

📺: https://t.co/HgwJeJpNYK#CAAfb | @CAAFootball | @MUHawksFB pic.twitter.com/4v0bmAZh5O

— FloCollege | Football (@FloCollegeFB) September 20, 2025

End Third Quarter

Villanova - 27, Monmouth - 45

Monmouth has the ball in Wildcats' territory and is looking to march down the field again. Robertson has 391 yards and four touchdowns through three quarters.

David Avit Is Unstoppable

Villanova - 27, Monmouth - 45, 3Q 3:09

Monmouth has not figured out how to stop Avit and the Wildcats take advantage, running Avit out of the Wildcat, who punches it in to the end zone for a score. Villanova goes for two but McQuaid's throw is incomplete. 

3️⃣rd rushing TD for Avit!

Drops his shoulder and gets through the line. 👏

📺: https://t.co/HgwJeJpNYK#CAAfb | @CAAFootball | @NovaFootball pic.twitter.com/d2S5oZdibj

— FloCollege | Football (@FloCollegeFB) September 20, 2025

Robertson Drops A Dime To Derry For A Hawk TD

Villanova - 21, Monmouth - 45, 3Q 7:31

Robertson finds Derry over his shoulder in the end zone with a perfectly-placed pass to extend Monmouth's lead. That was Robertson's fourth touchdown of the day and second to Derry.

RIGHT ON THE MONEY!

#12 Robertson sends it to #14 Derry for a Hawk TD!

📺: https://t.co/HgwJeJpNYK#CAAfb | @CAAFootball | @MUHawksFB pic.twitter.com/Ydjt7hXx2v

— FloCollege | Football (@FloCollegeFB) September 20, 2025

Monmouth Responds, Nelson Adds A Touchdown

Villanova - 21, Monmouth - 38, 3Q 10:48

Nelson adds another touchdown, capping off another strong Monmouth drive, running in from 10 yards out. 

NELSON SLIDES RIGHT IN! 💨

📺: https://t.co/HgwJeJpNYK#CAAfb | @CAAFootball | @MUHawksFB pic.twitter.com/PHe8SYulcI

— FloCollege | Football (@FloCollegeFB) September 20, 2025

David Avit Trucks Into The End Zone For Villanova

Villanova - 21, Monmouth - 31, 3Q 13:04

Avid trucks a Monmouth defender into the end zone after running untouched from 19 yards out to score. Right out of the half, Villanova is right back in this one.

First Half Ends

Villanova - 14, Monmouth - 31

The Hawks are in full control, and Robertson has 317 passing yards at the half. Villanova is gaining momentum and will get the ball to start the second half. 

Villanova Gets Back On The Board

Villanova - 14, Monmouth - 31, 2Q, 00:49

The Wildcats march down the field, finishing their final first-half drive off with a much needed touchdown, with David Avit punching it in from two yards out. If the Wildcats can turn their offensive momentum to their defense, then they could score twice, as they get the ball out of the half.

Avit runs it in!‼️

📺: https://t.co/HgwJeJpNYK#CAAfb | @CAAFootball | @NovaFootball pic.twitter.com/rlqKkqAunc

— FloCollege | Football (@FloCollegeFB) September 20, 2025

Monmouth Punches In A TD On The Ground

Villanova - 7, Montmouth - 31, 2Q 1:49

Against the Wildcats, Monmouth goes with the wildcat formation, and Elijah Jennings takes the direct snap and works his way into the end zone. The Hawks have established their presence on the ground and in the air.

The Hawks just can't be stopped! 🚨

Jennings executes for a TD, making it 30-7!

📺: https://t.co/HgwJeJpNYK#CAAfb | @CAAFootball | @MUHawksFB pic.twitter.com/YpUAqWQHnr

— FloCollege | Football (@FloCollegeFB) September 20, 2025

Villanova Fumbles, Monmouth Recovers

Villanova - 7, Monmouth - 24, 2Q 10:24

Just a few plays after a holding call negated a much-needed Villanova touchdown, a huge hit on Chris Colby knocks the ball out and Monmouth jumps on it.

Hawks can't keep their hands off this ball! 😤

Monmouth recovers Villanova's fumble.

📺: https://t.co/HgwJeJpNYK#CAAfb | @CAAFootball | @MUHawksFB pic.twitter.com/ndIx1S4gwU

— FloCollege | Football (@FloCollegeFB) September 20, 2025

Robertson Adds Another Hawk Score

Villanova - 7, Monmouth - 24, 2Q 14:28

Throwing as he was hit, Robertson finds Tra Neal, who tip toes down the sideline and reaches for the pylon to add another touchdown. Against a solid Villanova defense, Robertson is dismantling them, with 254 yards and three touchdowns. 

THEY REALLY WENT FOR IT!

#7 Tra Neal for an 80-YD TD. 📷#CAAfb | @CAAFootball | @MUHawksFB pic.twitter.com/EqCynjGi3h

— FloCollege | Football (@FloCollegeFB) September 20, 2025

First Quarter Ends, Robertson On Fire

Villanova - 7, Monmouth - 17

Robertson is doing his thing to lead the Hawks offense and has 200 passing yards. Yes two with two zeroes. After the first quarter. Monmouth also has 50 yards on the ground and its defense has held Villanova to 111 total yards. 

With both strong offenses, this game was always going to be won by the team who could get the most stops, and so far that's the Hawks, but there's still a lot of football left.

FEED 99. FEED HIM.#FlyHawks || @CAAFootball pic.twitter.com/bcIUnV7W1T

— Monmouth Football (@MUHawksFB) September 20, 2025

Monmouth Tacks On Another Long Score

Villanova - 7, Monmouth - 17, 1Q 3:00

Robertson connects with Makhi Green for another long touchdown, this one from 72 yards out and the Hawks offense is cooking. Robertson had two receivers wide open, and chose Green, who took the ball to the house. 

There goes ⚡️ FLASH ⚡️

Another big play, another TD for the Hawks!

3:00 - 1Q | Monmouth 17, Villanova 7#FlyHawks || @CAAFootball || @MakhiGreen_ pic.twitter.com/edivNebUO7

— Monmouth Football (@MUHawksFB) September 20, 2025

Monmouth Field Goal

Villanova - 7, Monmouth - 10, 1Q 8:14

The Villanova defense keeps the Hawks out of the end zone, holding them to just three points. 

Villanova Answers, Pat McQuaide Tosses Touchdown

Villanova - 7, Monmouth - 7, 1Q 11:00

McQuaide finds Brandon Binkowski for a touchdown, tying the game. 

Villanova answers! ‼️

#81 touchdown to tie 7-7.

📺: https://t.co/HgwJeJpNYK#CAAfb | @CAAFootball | @NovaFootball pic.twitter.com/SqMmH7vVYy

— FloCollege | Football (@FloCollegeFB) September 20, 2025

Monmouth Touchdown, Robertson Cooking Early

Derek Robertson needed just two plays to put Monmouth on the board , connecting with Josh Derry for the 72 yard score. 

WHAT. A. START.

Josh Derry 75 yards 𝐓𝐎 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐒𝐄.

14:14 - 1Q | Monmouth 7, Villanova 0#FlyHawks || @CAAFootball || @JoshDerry4 pic.twitter.com/i3s9DwFi3b

— Monmouth Football (@MUHawksFB) September 20, 2025

Game Start

Monmouth and Villanova are set to kick off any minute. Villanova won the toss and deferred, Monmouth will receive to start the game.

CAA Opener For Both Sides 

Both teams are playing their first conference games of the season and come into the game with a 2-1 record.

Monmouth and Villanova will kick off at 1:00 p.m. ET.

How To Watch Monmouth Vs Villanova

FloCollege and the FloSports App are the exclusive home of all CAA action. Coverage of Monmouth vs Villanova will begin promptly at 1:00 p.m. ET on FloCollege.