HBCU program Delaware State went toe-to-toe with No. 12 Monmouth befoHBCU program Delaware State went toe-to-toe with No. 12 Monmouth earlier than falling 49–38 on the highway at Kessler Stadium. Below head coach DeSean Jackson, the Hornets (3-3) confirmed they’ll compete with top-tier FCS groups.
Delaware State completed with 393 complete yards, together with 281 on the bottom, in considered one of its most full offensive performances this season. The Hornets matched Monmouth’s physicality and tempo by means of three quarters however light late because the Hawks pulled away.
Floor Recreation Units the Tone
The Hornets’ offense ran behind a dominant line and a rotation of backs who punished Monmouth’s entrance seven. Senior Marquis Gillis exploded for 132 yards on 15 carries (8.8 avg), together with a 73-yard burst that arrange considered one of Delaware State’s 5 speeding touchdowns.
Operating again James Jones added three scores, whereas quarterback Kaiden Bennett and kicker Patrick Fisher-Butler every contributed a landing or discipline aim. In complete, Delaware State averaged 6.1 yards per carry and scored on all six red-zone journeys. That effectivity displays Jackson’s renewed offensive id for the Hornets.
Excessive-Powered Monmouth Offense Survives the Scare
Monmouth (4-1) entered with one of many FCS’s best offenses, and it confirmed why. Quarterback Derek Robertson threw for 351 yards and 4 touchdowns, whereas working again Rodney Nelson delivered a profession day with 203 speeding yards and two scores.
The Hawks punted solely as soon as all sport. They transformed two of three fourth downs and 10 of 14 third downs, which stored Delaware State’s protection on the sector for nearly 31 minutes. Even so, the Hornets pressured a number of key stops and restricted Monmouth to 3 touchdowns on 4 red-zone journeys.
Security Anthony Hebert led Delaware State with 11 tackles, whereas Brian Bates recorded 12 and Quincy Robinson added a sack.
HBCU Satisfaction on Show
Even in defeat, Delaware State continues to construct momentum below DeSean Jackson. His deal with velocity, physicality, and self-discipline is reshaping this system’s id. The Hornets have already matched their win complete from final season and seem extra balanced every week.
The efficiency towards Monmouth — one of many FCS’s Prime-15 applications — proved that Delaware State is closing the hole between HBCU contenders and nationally ranked opponents. As MEAC play will get prepared to start, the Hornets’ run-heavy assault and enhancing protection may make them a critical issue inside HBCU soccer.
Turning Level and Takeaways
With the rating tied 35–35 late within the third quarter, Monmouth confronted a crucial fourth down close to midfield. As a substitute of punting, the Hawks transformed, organising the landing that gave them the lead for good. That single play shifted momentum and prolonged a drive that drained useful clock.
Monmouth’s aggression advised the story. The Hawks punted simply as soon as, went 2-for-3 on fourth downs, and completed 10-for-14 on third downs. Their tempo and precision turned a good sport right into a observe meet that produced practically 1,000 yards of offense.
Participant of the Recreation
Marquis Gillis, Delaware State — The senior again powered the Hornets with 132 yards on 15 carries, together with a 73-yard burst that arrange a landing. His mixture of endurance and power stored drives alive and confirmed how far Delaware State’s run sport has come below DeSean Jackson.
By the Numbers
281 speeding yards for Delaware State — a season excessive
5 speeding touchdowns, all within the purple zone
Three for 3 on fourth-down conversions
Zero turnovers mixed — clear, disciplined soccer
26 first downs for DSU to Monmouth’s 30
What It Means
For DeSean Jackson and Delaware State, this wasn’t an ethical victory — it was proof of idea. The Hornets traded punches with a Prime-15 FCS group and stayed inside one rating into the ultimate minutes. Their balanced offense, environment friendly red-zone play, and fearless tempo sign that HBCU soccer in Dover is climbing quick.
Subsequent up is homecoming, and if this efficiency is any indication, nobody will need to face Delaware State quickly.
