Monmouth University Athletics

COOKEVILLE, TENN. – Monmouth University football opened the Jeff Gallo era Saturday night in a new-look Tucker Stadium, but Tennessee Tech used a strong second half to pull away from the Hawks, 38-14, in the first meeting between the programs.
 
"We didn't play well enough, not anywhere to the standard that we've set," Monmouth head coach Jeff Gallo said. "They beat us on special teams tonight. We turned the ball over, gave up field position, didn't get points in the spots when we should have gotten points."
 
Gallo, who spent 21 seasons on the Monmouth sideline before taking over as head coach, saw his team remain within striking distance through the opening half. After Tennessee Tech drove 38 yards for the game's opening touchdown, Monmouth answered early in the second quarter when Elijah Jennings broke through for an 11-yard touchdown run to tie the game at 7-7.
 
The Hawks had opportunities to seize the momentum. Their defense forced a fumble late in the first quarter when senior captain Charlie Sasso knocked the ball loose from Maury Sullivan, with fellow senior Bryce Rooks recovering at the Tennessee Tech 33. Monmouth also drove into Golden Eagles territory on its next possession before a punt, while a 49-yard Tennessee Tech field-goal attempt later in the second quarter went wide.
 
Instead, Tennessee Tech capitalized late in the half. Jax Leatherwood found Qua Ashley for an 18-yard touchdown with one minute remaining, then Carter Brown connected on a 40-yard field goal as time expired to give the Golden Eagles a 17-7 halftime advantage.
 
"We had too many penalties, period. And then special teams, they had an advantage there," Gallo said. "We turn the ball over and then allow a big punt return, give them essentially 10 points in about a minute."
 
Tennessee Tech extended its lead on the opening drive of the second half, going 75 yards in just 2:19 before MJ Flowers scored from six yards out. Monmouth responded with an 81-yard drive, moving into the red zone, but Sky Sholder's 24-yard field-goal attempt was wide left.
 
Frankie Weaver continued to battle in his first season as Monmouth's starting quarterback, completing 20-of-41 passes for 179 yards. His 41 attempts were the second-most of his career. West Virginia transfer Greg Genross made his Monmouth debut and led the Hawks with four catches for 39 yards at tight end.
 
The Hawks' defense was led by preseason All-American and Preseason CAA Defensive Player of the Year Jaeden Jones, who recorded 11 tackles, his eighth career double-digit tackle game. Sasso added a career-high 10 tackles and forced a fumble, while transfers Jahide Lesaine Jr. and Donovan Dyson each recorded a sack.
 
Tennessee Tech controlled the clock throughout the night, holding a 37:55-22:05 advantage in time of possession. Leatherwood completed 24-of-36 passes for 289 yards and four touchdowns as the Golden Eagles converted their extended possessions into points.
 
Monmouth's offense found the end zone again late, with Kenny Smith Jr. scoring on a 1-yard run for the first touchdown of his career, capping a 12-play, 76-yard drive.
 
"This is a good team and a good environment. We didn't play well enough," Gallo said. "These are the places you want to be. You want to be playing good teams in good environments."
 
Monmouth returns to action Saturday, Sept. 5, when the Hawks host new CAA foe Sacred Heart at Kessler Stadium at 2 p.m.
 
Notes
- Tennessee Tech wins the first ever meeting between the schools.
- Monmouth falls to 8-25 all-time against ranked opponents, snapping a three-game win streak.
- Monmouth falls to 9-25 in season openers.
- Charlie Sasso made a career best 10 tackles.
- Luke Schabel tied a career high with seven punts (7 at Florida Atlantic – 9/2/2023).
- Kenny Smith Jr. scored his first career touchdown.
- The Hawks combined for five tackles for loss on the night.
- Four true freshman saw playing time for Monmouth – Amori McNeil, Alexander Williams, Justin Griffin and Jaylen Carter.
 
Numbers Crunch
- Tennessee Tech had more first downs, 24-21.
- Tennessee Tech ran more offensive plays, 73-65.
- Tech outgained the Hawks, 395-304.
- TTU had more time of possession, 37:55-22:05.
- MU was 5-of-13 on third down and 0-of-1 on fourth down.
- A&T went 7-of-15 on third down and 1-of-1 on fourth down.
- Monmouth went 2-of-3 on redzone chances, while Tech went a perfect 4-of-4.
- The Hawks had two sacks for 17 yards, while TTU did not record a sack.
- There was a total of 17 penalties for 161 yards – MU had nine for 75, while TTU had eight for 86.

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