Monmouth-Sacred Heart

The Hawks take on Sacred Heart on Saturday in a battle for sole possession of second place in the conference. The Pioneers come into the game at 8-1 and 4-1 in the conference, while Monmouth is 5-4 and 4-1 in the NEC.

Sacred Heart has caught the spread fever like most teams in the country, but they are the only NEC team to run a true spread offense. QB Dale Fink will be in the shotgun for the majority of the game and looks to get the ball out of his hands fast and into those of his WR's. RB Evin Jones has almost 1,200 yards on the ground balancing out the Pioneers. Their defense is small, but very opportunistic and tackles well.

This game does mark a contrast in offensive styles, and I think which ever team wins the time of possession battle will come out on top. While SHU runs a spread, they arent a no-huddle, hurry-up offense. That being said, Monmouth can grind it out with David Sinisi and their controlled passing attack. I think Sinisi is in for a big afternoon to bounce back from the Albany game and that the MU defensive backfield should look to play the ball b/c Fink has a penchant for throwing picks,

It is supposed to rain tomorrow, but not be very cold. The rain could have a slight effect on SHU's rhythmic passing game, which helps MU running attack. I think the MU offensive line will impose their will on the smaller SHU front and Sinisi will be in for a big day. The Pioneers will score points, but not as many as the Hawks, and MU will come away with win, 31-23 win.

Monmouth-Albany

The Hawks led 14-0 today against Albany, but ended up falling 35-17 to the Great Danes. This puts MU's chances at representing the NEC in the Gridiron Classic at very slim as Albany has a one game lead with games at Robert Morris and vs. Wagner while the Hawks have to play Sacred Heart, who they are tied with in second place, and Duquesne. This mark's the second straight season that Albany has topped Monmouth, and the Great Danes now have the inside track towards their second straight league title.