Monmouth Dominates Bryant 35-7 as Nelson Shines with 244 Yards

Rodney Nelson delivered an outstanding performance, rushing for a career-high 244 yards on 34 carries and scoring three touchdowns, leading Monmouth University to a commanding 35-7 victory over Bryant University on November 4, 2023. The Hawks, currently ranked ninth in the FCS coaches’ poll, improved their record to 8-1 overall and 5-0 in the Coastal Athletic Association with this win, marking their sixth consecutive victory.

Monmouth’s offensive strategy was particularly effective in the first half, where they established a solid 21-point lead. Nelson’s explosive performance included a remarkable 69-yard touchdown run during the Hawks’ second drive, which marked the longest play of the game. Quarterback Frankie Weaver contributed significantly, completing 14 of 19 passes for 218 yards, including two touchdowns and two interceptions. One of his notable connections was a 49-yard touchdown pass to Nelson just before halftime, extending the lead to 14 points at the break.

Defensive Dominance and Struggles for Bryant

Monmouth’s defense played a crucial role in the victory, limiting Bryant to just 226 yards of total offense. Despite not forcing any turnovers, the Hawks’ defensive unit effectively stifled Bryant’s attempts to convert, allowing the Bulldogs to succeed on only 4 of 13 third downs and 1 of 3 fourth downs.

For the Bulldogs, Zyheem Collick stood out, making three receptions for 69 yards. However, Bryant’s struggles continued, marking a sixth straight loss after a promising start to the season with a 2-1 record that included a victory over FBS member UMass.

As the season progresses, Monmouth’s impressive performance positions them as a strong contender in their conference, while Bryant will look to regroup and break their losing streak in the coming weeks.