WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. – Monmouth University football moved up one spot in both national polls this week, earning the No. 17 ranking in the AFCA FCS Coaches' Top 25 Poll and No. 18 in the STATS Perform FCS Top 25 Poll following a 49-13 victory at Hampton on Saturday.
 
The Hawks improved to 6-2 overall and 5-0 in Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) play with their fifth consecutive win, remaining atop the conference standings. Monmouth is one of six FCS programs currently riding a winning streak of at least five games.
 
Monmouth's 49 points against Hampton marked its highest-scoring performance of the season, while the 13 points allowed were its fewest in a game this year. The Hawks totaled a season-high 565 yards of offense, surpassing 500 yards for the second straight game, and recorded 30 first downs for the second time this season.
 
The Hawks have now accumulated 200 first downs on the season, ranking third nationally and first in the CAA. Monmouth also leads the conference in rushing offense, averaging 190.0 yards per game.
 
Redshirt freshman running back Kenny Smith Jr. continues to climb the national rushing rankings. With 753 rushing yards this season, Smith Jr. ranks 14th in the FCS and second in the CAA. His 144 rushing attempts are tied for ninth nationally.
 
Defensively, Monmouth recorded three sacks in the win over Hampton, improving to 3-0 this season in games in which the Hawks record at least three sacks.
 
The CAA has four teams appearing in or receiving votes in the national polls. Campbell ranks No. 15 in the AFCA poll and No. 12 in the STATS Perform poll, while UAlbany entered the AFCA rankings at No. 25 and is receiving votes in the STATS Perform poll. Stony Brook is receiving votes in both polls, and Bryant is receiving votes in the AFCA poll.
 
Monmouth returns home Saturday, Oct. 31, to host Bryant in a CAA matchup.

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