WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. – Monmouth University football continued its climb in the national rankings, moving up to No. 14 in the AFCA FCS Coaches' Top 25 Poll and No. 15 in the STATS Perform FCS Top 25 Poll, announced this week.
 
The Hawks take over as the highest-ranked team in the CAA and remain the conference's only undefeated team in league play with a 6-0 record. Monmouth has won six consecutive games for the second straight season and owns a 7-1 record against FCS opponents.
 
This marks the 13th week in program history that Monmouth has been ranked inside the top 15 of both national polls. The Hawks' latest ranking comes after a 34-21 victory over Bryant on Halloween, extending their winning streak and keeping them unbeaten in conference play.
 
Running back Elijah Jennings was named CAA Offensive Player of the Week following his performance against the Bulldogs. Jennings rushed for a career-high 175 yards and two touchdowns on 24 carries, marking his second 100-yard rushing performance of the season and second career multi-touchdown game.
 
Jennings and Kenny Smith Jr. each surpassed 100 rushing yards in the same game for the second time this season. Smith rushed for 157 yards and two touchdowns, recording his third consecutive 100-yard game. The duo each topped 150 rushing yards in the same contest for the first time since Oct. 21, 2017.
 
Defensively, Omar Ibrahim recorded his first interception as a Hawk. Monmouth has held four opponents under 200 passing yards this season, winning all four games. Linebacker Ryan Russo added a pair of sacks.
 
The Hawks also improved to 3-0 all-time in games played on Halloween with Saturday's victory.
 
Monmouth hosts North Carolina A&T (4-5, 3-2 CAA), winners of three straight, at Kevin Callahan Field at Kessler Stadium this Saturday on Nov. 7 at noon.

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