WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. – Monmouth football moved up in both national FCS polls this week, checking in at No. 18 in the AFCA FCS Coaches' Top 25 and No. 19 in the STATS Perform FCS Top 25 following a 42-21 road victory at New Hampshire.
 
The Hawks improved to 5-2 overall and 4-0 in Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) play with their fourth consecutive conference win. Monmouth is seeking its fifth straight victory overall and sixth consecutive win against FCS opponents when it travels to Hampton on Saturday, Oct. 24.
 
Monmouth is one of three CAA programs ranked in at least one of the two polls, joining Campbell, which is No. 16 in the AFCA poll and No. 13 in the STATS Perform rankings. Bryant and UAlbany are receiving votes in both polls, while Rhode Island received votes in the media poll.
 
The Hawks continue to establish themselves as one of the conference's top rushing teams, averaging 174.6 yards per game on the ground, the second-best mark in the CAA. Redshirt freshman Kenny Smith Jr. and redshirt sophomore Elijah Jennings rank second and third, respectively, in conference rushing yards, with both backs also ranking among the top 30 rushers nationally.
 
Monmouth's offensive efficiency has been another strength. The Hawks rank among the CAA's top three teams in third-down conversion percentage at 52% and lead the conference with 170 first downs, a total that ranks 10th nationally. Monmouth recorded 29 first downs in its win at New Hampshire.
 
Up front, the Hawks have allowed just two sacks through seven games, an average of 0.29 per contest that ranks No. 1 in the country. Defensively, linebacker Ryan Russo has forced two fumbles, tied for the CAA lead.
 
Monmouth continues its conference schedule Saturday, Oct. 24, with a 2 p.m. kickoff at Hampton. The Hawks will look to extend their winning streaks and maintain their position among the nation's top-ranked FCS programs.

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