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Monmouth vs Tennessee Tech college football | live updates
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- Monmouth vs Tennessee Tech college football | live updates
The final weekend of August is the cue for many to squeeze in a little late-summer fun. But for football fans, it's time for an early welcome to the fall gridiron action.
College football is back with a broad slate of Week 0 action across the country. Monmouth will help ring in the 2026 season with one of the most exciting matchups on Saturday. The No. 23 Hawks go on the road to face No. 15 Tennessee Tech in one of just two Division I matchups between ranked teams during the opening weekend of action.
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The APP will have live updates and analysis of the Monmouth season opener as it unfolds. Stay tuned here for all the latest on the Hawks as they try to pull off a major road upset.
Final: Tennessee Tech 38, Monmouth 14
It's a season opener to forget for the Hawks in Week 0. They'll almost certainly drop out of the Top 25 after this showing, while No. 15 Tennessee Tech should see a boost after some other upsets. Monmouth will host Sacred Heart in the home opener next Saturday at 2 p.m. in West Long Branch.
Monmouth adds window dressing in final two minutes
After a reviewed catch by Caleb Newsome set up Monmouth inside the 1-yard line, Kenny Smith punches in his first career touchdown to reduce the Tennessee Tech lead to 38-14 with 1:50 left in the game.
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Tennessee Tech delivers final blow in lopsided win
Qua Ashley got his second touchdown of the game on probably the worst play of the entire game for the Monmouth defense. Multiple Hawk defenders took poor angles and botched tackles, allowing a big cutback lane for the 23-yard score on the pass from Leatherwood. Tennessee Tech leads 38-7 with 4:53 left. The most interesting storyline now for Monmouth is who might rotate in to put something impressive on film as big changes will be needed for the Hawks.
Turnover on downs might be final gasp for Hawks
Monmouth was narrowly hanging on, but might've still had an unlikely path to making the game more competitive with another score. After big third down catch by Middleton and the benefit of a penalty that put the Hawks across midfield were a boost, but the Hawks stall again and turn the ball over after an incompletion on 4th-and-8 as Weaver was trying to find a receiver near the sideline. Tech takes over with 10:39 left in the game.
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Tennessee Tech takes complete control with 31-7 lead in 4th
Jax Leatherwood finds Maury Sullivan on 16-yard touchdown pass against tight coverage from Chris Palmer for another touchdown to extend the Golden Eagle lead to 31-7 with 12 minutes left. Four out of Tennessee Tech's five scoring drives have come on drives that began in Monmouth territory. The Hawks have never been able to dig out of the hole that their special teams lapses put them in late in the first half.
Monmouth defense creates hope, but more lapses for offense
After an impressive defensive stand to force a punt, the Monmouth offense experiences more misfortune. Weaver tried to hit Middleton over the middle but it turns into tip drill interception by Tech's will Johnson. The Golden Eagles get another short field and are already in the red zone.
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Disastrous special teams continues for Monmouth
The Monmouth offense puts together an 81-yard drive, but can't finish it off with points as the special teams woes continue. Sky Sholder misses a 24-yard attempt wide right. It will be interesting to see if Monmouth switches to freshman Josh Graham, who impressed in fall camp. But another missed opportunity and it's getting late early for Monmouth.
Tech keeps rolling to start 2nd half
The first play of the third quarter is a 56-yard pass from Leatherwood to Nunez. Not the start the Hawks defense would've wanted after mostly containing the big plays in the first half. In a drive that lasted just over two minutes, the Golden Eagles extend the lead to three possessions with a 6-yard touchdown run by M.J. Flowers. Tennessee Tech takes a 24-7 lead over Monmouth.
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Takeaways from the midway point
The special teams lapses are particularly vexing because Monmouth has actually played relatively well on offense and defense. Obviously, the offense stalled through the first quarter. But the Hawks only trail Tech in terms of total yards by a rate of 101-164. They also only trail seven to 11 in terms of first downs. Defensively, Monmouth has generally been superior with more negative plays including four tackles for loss and two sacks plus a forced fumble. The third phase tells the story. Tennessee Tech return man Tre Holloway has nearly as many return yards (86) as the Hawks have total yards.
Halftime: Tennessee Tech 17, Monmouth 7
It's a special teams train wreck for Monmouth to end the first half, and it might threaten to doom the Hawks' upset hopes. The muffed punt is inexcusable and leads to a touchdown, but the subsequent decision by Brown to bring the ball out of the end zone was also costly. In total, those two decisions cost Monmouth 10 points. Tennessee Tech will receive the second half kickoff, and it will take an inspired turnaround effort to dig out of this hole.
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Hawks in deep hole after muffed punt
Tennessee Tech capitalizes on a well-designed play action into a wheel route for a 19-yard touchdown from Leatherwood to Qua Ashley. Golden Eagles take a 14-7 lead with 1:00 left in the first half. Another bad return out of the end zone by Brown and the Hawks go three-and-out. Another big return by Tech's Tre Holloway sets up the Eagles for another score before the half.
Just like that, more disaster for Monmouth
Anthony Brown fumbles the punt after a fair catch in a disastrous twist for the Hawks. An unacceptable mistake, and one that could cost Monmouth the game. Tennessee Tech is now set up in Monmouth territory to take the lead and will receive the second half kickoff.
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New pass rushers shine again for Hawks
After Lesaine made his presence felt with a third down sack, now it's Donovan Dyson's turn. The UMass transfer gets get loose and delivers the blow on Leatherwood to force Tennessee Tech into 4th-and-18 and a punt. The Hawk defense continues to buoy the offense, and Monmouth is set up with a big opportunity to score before halftime.
Hawks answer to tie game at 7-7
After a personal foul call set up Monmouth in the red zone at the Tech 11-yard line, the Hawks offense is suddenly looking like the high-flying unit they're always expected to be. Elijah Jennings makes one cut and glides into the end zone for the 11-yard score for the team's first touchdown of 2026. The PAT kick from Sky Sholder is good to tie the game at 7-7 with 4:45 left in the first half.
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Monmouth defense sparks offense
The Hawks benefitted from a holding call against Tennessee Tech, but the defense capitalized with solid coverage on second and third down to force a difficult throw and eventually, a missed field goal attempt. The Monmouth offense then gets a big gain on the throw from Weaver to Middleton and keeps it rolling with tempo.
Improvement, but ultimately disappointment, on another Hawk drive
The Hawks started the drive with two nice plays after a big run by Elijah Jennings and a nice catch by Marcus Middleton, but again the offense stalls. A disappointing finish as it was a solid play call on 3rd-and-4, but the execution isn't there as the pass from Weaver is tipped. Golden Eagles then get a huge return on the punt and start in opposing territory.
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Hawk defense lives up to preseason hype in first half
The improved Monmouth defense was the story of spring practices and fall training camp, and it's looked like the real deal thus far. The Hawks force a three-and-out. Aside from Tech's opening drive that benefitted from a short field, this defense has looked strong in terms of talent and execution. After the punt, the Hawks will take over at their own 19 for their fifth drive of the game.
Monmouth goes three-and-out for third time
For the third time in their first four drives, Monmouth fails to get a first down. It's been an abysmal showing offensively with just 17 total yards in the first quarter. The silver lining is a nice punt from Luke Schabel and Tennessee Tech will start at their own 20-yard line.
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1st quarter takeaways
The pride of Wall, senior linebacker Charlie Sasso ends the first quarter with a forced fumble and Monmouth will takeover. The Hawks have found their footing defensively. Hunter Watson and Brendan Bigos with some nice stuffs. It is interesting that the lead back for Tech has been the UConn transfer M.J. Flowers is the focal point of the rushing attack. Similarly, Southern Utah transfer Gabe Nunez has been the team's go-to receiver. Hawks take over at their own 33 to start the second quarter.
Former Glassboro star gets Monmouth's first 1st down
Former Glassboro standout Kenny Smith Jr. with two consecutive runs to start the Hawks' third drive and he gets a first down. The Hawks get a break on a pass interference call, but still can't establish an offensive rhythm. It's been a rough start for the new-look offensive line with penalties and execution struggles in pass protection and the run game. Monmouth is forced into another punt.
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Monmouth forces punt as pass rush shines
While technically not a three-and-out because of an initial pass interference call, the Monmouth defense has responded emphatically against Tennessee Tech on the second drive. One of the big questions facing the Hawks was who would step up on the edges to bolster the pass rush. Syracuse transfer Jahide Lesaine has the first answer with a third down sack.
Hawks go three-and-out after odd penalty call
Bizarre penalty derails the Hawks' drive as a "snap infraction" was called on the center. It turns a 3rd-and-4 into a 3rd-and-9, which ends with an incompletion after two three yard gains on sweep with Gavin Nelson and a run by Elijah Jennings. The action didn't seem to qualify for the penalty, and also there is usually a formal warning before that penalty is called. Another three-and-out for Monmouth and the disastrous start continues.
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Tennessee Tech starts in Monmouth territory and capitalizes
The Golden Eagles drive started at the opposing 44-yard line. Southeast Missouri State transfer Jax Leatherwood gets the start at quarterback for Tech, so both teams go with the anticipated starters with no surprises at signal caller. Monmouth nearly forced a three-and-out, but Tech converted a 3rd-and-7 and it leads to a score. On 3rd-and-goal from the two, Leatherwood hits Gabe Nunez, who easily beat Hasson Manning for the touchdown. Tech takes a 7-0 lead with 9:56 left in the first quarter.
Monmouth receives to start
The Hawks start at their own 25 after a touchback. Frankie Weaver gets the start at quarterback for Monmouth. Two negative plays to start the opening drive and sets up a 3rd-and-15 overthrow on the deep out. A three-and-out to start the game is less than ideal for the visiting Hawks.
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Pregame notes:
For some additional context on the projected starters below and the game more broadly, it's important to note that 11 positions were given an "OR" designation on the media two deep indicating that the starter spot could still go either way. It'll be interesting to see how much of that is season opener gamesmanship or how significant the early rotations will be at certain positions. It's certainly a storyline to monitor in the first half.
Hawks projected starters
OFFENSE
Quarterback
13 Frankie Weaver (6-5, 215, R-So.)
Running Back
3 Elijah Jennings (5-9, 180, R-So.)
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6 Kenny Smith Jr. (5-10, 190, R-Fr.)
Wide Receiver
0 Gavin Nelson (6-0, 180, R-Sr.)
7 Tra Neal (6-1, 180, R-Jr.)
14 Christian Harrison (6-0, 195, Jr.)
Tight End
88 Marcus Middleton (6-3, 235, R-Jr.)
84 Shane Garrett (6-4, 240, R-Jr.)
Left Tackle
73 Matt Fries (6-5, 295, R-Sr.)
Left Guard
61 Collin Goetter (6-4, 295, R-So.)
Center
65 Kevin Shriner (6-1, 300, R-Sr.)
Right Guard
74 Michael Petito (6-2, 325, R-Jr.)
Right Tackle
77 Josh Duran (6-6, 305, R-Jr.)
DEFENSE
Defensive End
4 Hunter Watson (6-5, 260, R-So.)
Defensive Tackle
8 JJ Lewis (6-3, 280, Sr.)
90 Brendan Bigos (6-4, 280, R-Sr.)
92 Bryce Rooks (6-0, 295, R-Sr.)
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Defensive End
52 Mounir Keshen (6-2, 245, So.)
Linebacker
27 Spencer Kishbaugh (6-3, 225, R-Jr.)
5 Charlie Sasso (6-0, 230, R-Sr.)
1 Ryan Russo (6-2, 230, R-Sr.)
Star
20 Hasson Manning Jr. (5-11, 190, Sr.)
Safety
2 Jaeden Jones (6-0, 200, Jr.)
26 Donovan Fey (6-2, 205, R-Jr.)
Cornerback
22 Christian Palmer Jr. (6-1, 185, So.)
36 Elijah Mathis (6-4, 200 R-Fr.)
Monmouth football how to watch
Game:No. 23/22 Monmouth vs. No. 15/14 Tennessee Tech
Date:7 p.m. EST (6 p.m. local) on Aug. 29
TV:ESPN+
Location:Cookeville, Tennessee
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Monmouth vs Tennessee Tech college football | live updates
