Though the game was pretty evenly matched statistically, Monmouth was able to capitalize on UAlbany's mistakes and come away with an important 28-20 conference win Saturday at Bob Ford Field at Tom & Mary Casey Stadium in Albany, New York.

It was the first time since 2006 that the Hawks were able to go on the road and beat the Great Danes. The win also ended a two-game losing skid in the series, which has been dominated by UAlbany, and it earned the Hawks some redemption against the team that ultimately kept them from reaching the postseason in 2025.

The contest was the 21st all-time between the two programs, and UAlbany still holds a 14-7 advantage in the series, including seven consecutive wins between 2007 and 2017.

On the second play of the game Saturday, a pass attempt from UAlbany senior quarterback Kai Colon, was intercepted and run back by redshirt senior linebacker Ryan Russo for the first score of the contest.

The Hawks built a 21-7 halftime lead and stayed strong defensively in the second half to slow any UAlbany momentum.

The hosts opted for a hurry-up offense late in the game and were able to cut the deficit to 28-14 and then 28-20 with five minutes left to play. 

A missed extra point on the fourth-quarter touchdown left the Great Danes needing a touchdown and 2-point conversion, but they found themselves with an opportunity when sophomore linebacker Jeremiah Pruitt picked off a Frankie Weaver pass and returned it to the Monmouth 3-yard line.

UAlbany was unable to reach the end zone, and one final first down from Monmouth allowed the Hawks to run out the clock and preserve the win.

Weaver was 11 for 15 on the day for 200 yards and two touchdowns, along with two interceptions. 

The Great Danes went for a two-quarterback attack, with Colon and Aidan Semo combining to go 14 for 25 for 173 yards and one touchdown, in addition to two costly interceptions. 

Monmouth, playing under first-year head coach Jeff Gallo, improves to 2-2 on the season overall and stays perfect in CAA play with wins over newcomer Sacred Heart (31-24) and now UAlbany. 

The Great Danes also are 2-2, but they fall to 1-1 in conference action. They opened the year with a win over New Hampshire and already have matched their win total from 2025. They were 2-10 overall and 1-7 in CAA games. 

That one conference win was a 31-24 triumph over Monmouth in the final game of the regular season, and that was the final dagger that denied the Hawks a trip to the playoffs.

Monmouth Stat Leaders

• Frankie Weaver, QB: 11 for 15 passing, 200 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
• Kenny Smith Jr., RB: 17 carries, 86 yards, 5.1 yards per carry, long of 21
• Tra Neal, WR: 5 receptions, 138 yards, 1 TD

UAlbany Stat Leaders

• Kai Colon, QB: 10 for 19 passing, 139 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT
• Rahshan La Mons, RB: 15 carries, 86 yards, 5.7 yards per carry, long of 26, 1 TD
• BJ Norman, WR: 4 receptions, 63 yards (long of 26)

Final Stats From Monmouth Win Over UAlbany

Monmouth Runs Out Clock, Wins For First Time At UAlbany Since 2006

Monmouth makes another first down and is able to run out the clock to defeat UAlbany 28-20.

Monmouth now is 2-2 overall and 2-0 in CAA play.

UAlbany falls to 2-2 and 1-1 in conference action. 

Monmouth 28, UAlbany 20

UAlbany Fails To Capitalize On Last-Minute Opportunity Against Monmouth

UAlbany continues to rotate quarterbacks, and when everyone expects Semo to run, he passes. Unfortunately for the Great Danes, it's incomplete.

The hosts have one more chance to get it done on fourth and 2 at the 2-yard line.

Colon is under center. He shows pass, and the defense swarms. He has nowhere to go and gets tackled around the 5-yard line to give the ball back to Monmouth.

The Hawks have the ball on their own 5-yard line with 2:25 to play.

Monmouth 28, UAlbany 20

Defensive Stop Gives UAlbany Late Hope Against Monmouth

Holy cow! 

A pick by sophomore linebacker Jeremiah Pruitt and a huge return gives UAlbany a first-and-goal chance on the 3-yard line.

The Great Danes have to score and go for the 2-point conversion to tie this game as the clock is winding down. 

Monmouth 28, UAlbany 20

Great Danes Close Gap With Fourth-Quarter Touchdown Against Monmouth

UAlbany is playing with a sense of urgency, as there's less than 10 minutes left in the contest.

Semo and Colon continue to switch off at quarterback and march the Great Danes down the field. The drive started on the UAlbany 15 and included a fourth-and-1 conversion late in the drive.

UAlbany converts on a first-and-goal opportunity at the 2-yard line, with junior running back Rahshan La Mons surging in. 

However, Kocan misses the extra point after almost missing the last one.

It's a nine-play, 85-yard touchdown drive for the home team. 

Monmouth 28, UAlbany 20

Here's La Mons scooting in: 

Quick and easy for La Mons ⚡️

Big score for UAlbany with 5:00 minutes left in this game.

📺:https://t.co/FW2DrJ9sAE
@UAlbanyFootball | @CAAFootball #CAA | Aug 27 - Nov 22 | Live on FloCollege pic.twitter.com/BlXT4XxgYL

— FloCollege | Football (@FloCollegeFB) September 19, 2026

UAlbany Defense Steps Up With Red Zone Interception

Weaver throws into a pack of UAlbany defenders, and junior defensive back Donny Jones comes away with an interception at the ALB 5-yard line. 

The Great Danes have the ball and a chance at home as the third quarter comes to an end.

It'll be second and 9 on their own 6-yard line to start the final stanza.

Monmouth 28, UAlbany 14

UAlbany Responds With Passing Touchdown Late In Third Quarter

Colon finds junior wide receiver Matthew Iuvara in the corner of the end zone to cut the deficit to 28-14 after the extra point from Kocan.

It's a nine-play, 75-yard drive for the Great Danes.

Monmouth 28, UAlbany 14

Watch the TD now:

We have a ball game! 👀

Iuvara takes it 21 yards into the end zone, cutting the deficit to two scores.

📺:https://t.co/FW2DrJ9sAE
@UAlbanyFootball | @CAAFootball #CAA | Aug 27 - Nov 22 | Live on FloCollege pic.twitter.com/gz9jZG7ppr

— FloCollege | Football (@FloCollegeFB) September 19, 2026

Monmouth Wastes No Time Finding End Zone In Second Half Against UAlbany

UAlbany is missing tackles, and Monmouth takes advantage on opening drive.

Weaver connects with Neal, and he's able to scramble for 42 yards to the ALB12.

Jennings gets the ball for 8. Then 1. Then 2 for the first down at the 1-yard line.

Weaver goes out as a wide receiver, the snap goes directly to redshirt sophomore running back Nazir Treadwell, who charges forward for a 1-yard score.

But, wait.

The play is reviewed, and it's determined that Treadwell was short. 

It's third and goal about a half yard out.

They run the same play again for the third time, and he gets in.

Sholder adds the extra point.

Monmouth 28, UAlbany 7

Third time is the charm. Check it out:

Treadwell walks it right in 🚶‍♂️

Monmouth adds another touchdown to the board.

📺:https://t.co/FW2DrJ9sAE@MUHawksFB | @CAAFootball#CAA | Aug 27 - Nov 22 | Live on FloCollege pic.twitter.com/r12g602rNc

— FloCollege | Football (@FloCollegeFB) September 19, 2026

Second Half Underway In Monmouth-UAlbany CAA Matchup

Time for another 30 minutes of football!

Monmouth starts with the ball on its own 20.

Monmouth 21, UAlbany 7

First-Half Stats From Monmouth Football vs. UAlbany

First Half Ends In Monmouth-UAlbany Showdown, MU Leads 21-7

Monmouth snags a first down and gets comfortably far enough from its own end zone.

The Hawks are able to run out the clock and take a 14-point lead to the locker room.

Monmouth will get the ball to start the second half.

Monmouth 21, UAlbany 7

UAlbany Threat Ends With Interception

The Monmouth Hawks reel in their second interception of the game, this time inside the 20 with UAlbany threatening to score.

Junior defensive back Jaeden Jones grabs the Colon pass, and the Hawks take over on their own 2-yard line with just under two minutes remaining in the half.

Monmouth 21, UAlbany 7

UAlbany Getting Into A Rhythm Against Monmouth Football

The UAlbany defense holds off Monmouth, forcing the Hawks to punt from their own end zone.

The Great Danes get terrific field position with six minutes left in the first half.

They start their ensuing drive on their own 48-yard line and march into the red zone with three quick first downs. On the last, they convert on fourth and 1 with a 1-yard jolt forward from senior quarterback Aidan Semo.

Monmouth 21, UAlbany 7

UAlbany Pulls Off Another Trick Play, Pins Monmouth 

Last time, UAlbany lined up for a punt and ran for a first down.

Now, a three wide receiver set on fourth and 7 suggests the Great Danes are going to go for the first down, but the result is another trick play.

The defense is expecting a legit attempt, so no one is back to receive the kick. The ball rolls to the Monmouth 2-yard line, and the Hawks take over. 

Monmouth 21, UAlbany 7

Monmouth Answers With 60-Yard Touchdown Strike

Monmouth goes with a no-huddle offense, and redshirt sophomore running back Elijah Jennings is able to pick up 19 yards on two plays.

Weaver then finds redshirt junior wide receiver Tra Neal for a 60-yard touchdown strike to put the Hawks back up by two scores. 

A flag is thrown - illegal hands to the face at the end of the play that will be enforced on the kickoff. 

Sholder adds the point after.

The four-play drives goes 85 yards and takes just over a minute.

Monmouth 21, UAlbany 7

Weaver to Neal - check it out now:

Weaver finds Neal for a 60-yard strike 🎯

One connection, six points.

📺:https://t.co/FW2DrJ9sAE@MUHawksFB | @CAAFootball #CAA | Aug 27 - Nov 22 | Live on FloCollege pic.twitter.com/pqlksAYzod

— FloCollege | Football (@FloCollegeFB) September 19, 2026

UAlbany Is On The Board Against Monmouth Football

The fake punt pays dividends for UAlbany, as the Great Danes give the ball to junior running back Joey Koch for a 10-yard score.

Senior RJ Kocan adds the extra point.

The 78-yard drive spans 14 plays and almost seven minutes of clock.

Monmouth 14, UAlbany 7

Watch Koch punch it in for the Great Danes:

Koch punches it in!

The rushing touchdown keeps the Great Danes within striking distance.

📺:https://t.co/FW2DrJ9sAE
@UAlbanyFootball | @CAAFootball #CAA | Aug 27 - Nov 22 | Live on FloCollege pic.twitter.com/YX5XYFxoIh

— FloCollege | Football (@FloCollegeFB) September 19, 2026

Fake Punt Gives UAlbany First Down As Times Winds Down In First Quarter

Junior Gavin Myers comes on to punt from the UAlbany 31-yard line. 

Junior defensive lineman Christian Santiago takes the ball instead and barrels ahead for the first down. 

The play is reviewed and holds up.

The Great Danes have one play left as the first quarter ends. They don't get the play off.

UAlbany starts the second quarter on the Monmouth 48.

Monmouth leads 14-0

Monmouth Offense Goes To The Air, Extends Lead Over UAlbany To 14-0

Weaver goes deep to redshirt senior Gavin Nelson on first and 10 and connects for a 46-yard touchdown.

Sholder adds the extra point to put the Hawks ahead by two scores.

The drive was five plays for 59 yards.

Monmouth leads 14-0

Watch the touchdown now:

Gavin Nelson finds the end zone 🔎

The touchdown stretches Monmouth’s lead to two scores.

📺:https://t.co/FW2DrJ9sAE@MUHawksFB | @CAAFootball #CAA | Aug 27 - Nov 22 | Live on FloCollege pic.twitter.com/uvaAM4MB8z

— FloCollege | Football (@FloCollegeFB) September 19, 2026

Puntastic Start To Monmouth vs. UAlbany Football

The punters are getting their reps in so far in the opening quarter.

Colon is sacked again on third down, and the Great Danes are forced to punt again.

The last three drives overall have ended in punts. 

Monmouth 7, UAlbany 0

Monmouth Defense Shining Early Against UAlbany Football

Colon is sacked on third and 10 at the UAlbany 34-yard line to force a punt.

Monmouth takes over on its own 19, and redshirt sophomore QB Frankie Weaver will start the first offensive drive for the Hawks.

Monmouth 7, UAlbany 0

Pick-6 For Monmouth Puts Hawks Ahead Early

The second play of the game, a pass attempt from UAlbany senior quarterback Kai Colon, is intercepted and run back by redshirt senior linebacker Ryan Russo.

Redshirt sophomore kicker Sky Sholder adds the extra point to make it 7-0 on the road in a huge redemption game.

Monmouth 7, UAlbany 0

Check out the interception and opening score now!

WHAT A WAY TO OPEN THE SCORING🤯

Russo jumps the route and takes the interception back for a Monmouth touchdown.

📺:https://t.co/FW2DrJ9sAE@MUHawksFB | @CAAFootball #CAA | Aug 27 - Nov 22 | Live on FloCollege pic.twitter.com/j5NSP9v5dV

— FloCollege | Football (@FloCollegeFB) September 19, 2026

Monmouth And UAlbany Football Ready To Throw Down In Upstate New York

Both teams are 1-0 in the loaded CAA and looking to make an early statement in the conference.

Monmouth wins the coin toss and kicks off to UAlbany to get things underway. 

UAlbany won last year's meeting 31-24 to close out the regular season for both teams.

UAlbany Startling Lineup To Face Monmouth Football

Check out who will be starting for the UAlbany Great Danes against Monmouth.

Our Hometown Heroes starting offense and defense, presented by @CDPHP 🔒#UAUKNOW pic.twitter.com/2b7MxqW97N

— UAlbany Football (@UAlbanyFootball) September 19, 2026

New AFCA FCS Rankings After Week 2 Of 2026

As of Sept. 12

1. Montana St. (3-0) – 650 – Prev. 1
2. Montana (3-0) – 601 – Prev. 2
3. South Dakota St. (2-1) – 595 – Prev. 3
4. Illinois St. (3-0) – 578 – Prev. 4
5. Tarleton St. (3-0) – 552 – Prev. 5
6. North Dakota (3-0) – 483 – Prev. 7
7. Lehigh (3-0) – 473 – Prev. 8
8. Stephen F. Austin (3-0) – 432 – Prev. 9
9. Youngstown St. (2-1) – 405 – Prev. 10
10. Tennessee Tech (3-0) – 393 – Prev. 11
11. UC Davis (2-1) – 389 – Prev. 6
12. South Dakota (3-0) – 370 – Prev. 12
13. Rhode Island (2-1) – 331 – Prev. 13
14. Austin Peay (2-1) – 317 – Prev. 15
15. Lamar (2-1) – 268 – Prev. 17
16. South Carolina St. (3-0) – 194 – Prev. 20
17. West Florida (2-0) – 178 – Prev. 22
18. Idaho St. (3-0) – 177 – Prev. 24
19. Northern Arizona (2-1) – 174 – Prev. 23
20. Yale (0-0) – 160 – Prev. 19
21. William & Mary (2-1) – 103 – Prev. 16
22. Mercer (2-1) – 93 – Prev. 14
23. Villanova (1-2) – 83 – Prev. 18
24. Furman (2-1) – 74 – Prev. NR
25. Southern Illinois (2-1) – 70 – Prev. NR

Dropped Out: Richmond (21), ACU (25)

Others Receiving Votes: Richmond, 67; Cal Poly, 51; Colgate, 30; Wofford, 27; Jackson St., 20; Prairie View A&M, 20; Harvard, 18; Central Arkansas, 16; Southern Utah, 13; Alabama St., 10; Elon, 7; HCU, 6; Campbell, 4; Robert Morris (Pa.), 4; UAlbany, 3; ACU, 2; Dartmouth, 2; Nicholls, 2; UT Martin, 2; Monmouth (N.J.), 1; San Diego, 1; Southeast Missouri St., 1.

Predicted Order Of Finish For CAA Teams In 2026

1. Rhode Island (12 first-place votes), 144
2. Monmouth, 119
3. Elon, 115
4. New Hampshire, 106
5. Stony Brook (1 first-place vote), 105
6. Towson, 93
7. Maine, 88
8. Campbell, 56
9. Bryant, 50
10. Sacred Heart, 49
11. UAlbany, 35
12. North Carolina A&T, 28
13. Hampton, 26

Monmouth Football Schedule For 2026

All Times Eastern

• Aug. 29 (Sat): Tennessee Tech 38, Monmouth 14 (L)
• Sept. 5 (Sat): Monmouth 31, Sacred Heart 24 (W)*
• Sept. 12 (Sat): Western Michigan 49, Monmouth 14 (L)
• Sept. 19 (Sat): 3:30 p.m. at UAlbany*
• Sept. 26 (Sat): 1 p.m. at Dartmouth
• Oct. 3 (Sat): 1 p.m. vs. Towson*
• Oct. 17 (Sat): 1 p.m. at New Hampshire*
• Oct. 24 (Sat): 2 p.m. at Hampton*
• Oct. 31 (Sat): Noon vs. Bryant*
• Nov. 7 (Sat): Noon vs. North Carolina A&T*
• Nov. 14 (Sat): Noon vs. Merrimack
• Nov. 21 (Sat): 1 p.m. at Campbell*

*CAA games

UAlbany Football Schedule For 2026

All Times Eastern

• Aug. 28 (Fri): UAlbany 28, New Hampshire 14 (W)*
• Sept. 3 (Thu): Buffalo 21, UAlbany 17 (L)
• Sept. 12 (Sat): UAlbany 35, Long Island 13 (W)
• Sept. 19 (Sat): 3:30 p.m. vs. Monmouth*
• Sept. 26 (Sat): 3 p.m. at Princeton
• Oct. 3 (Sat): 3:30 p.m. vs. Delaware State
• Oct. 17 (Sat): 2:30 p.m. at Stony Brook*
• Oct. 24 (Sat): Noon at Rhode Island*
• Oct. 31 (Sat): Noon vs. Campbell*
• Nov. 7 (Sat): 1 p.m. at Bryant*
• Nov. 14 (Sat): Noon vs. Maine*
• Nov. 21 (Sat): Noon at North Carolina A&T*

*CAA games

Week 3 Schedule For FCS Top 25

*Based on latest AFCA FCS Coaches Poll

• No. 1 Montana State (3-0, 1-0 Big Sky): vs. CCSU (0-2), 3 p.m.
• No. 2 Montana (3-0, 1-0 Big Sky): at Oregon State (0-2), 11 p.m.
• No. 3 South Dakota State (2-1): vs. No. 9 Youngstown State (2-1), 7 p.m. 
• No. 4 Illinois State (3-0): vs. Eastern Illinois (1-2), 3 p.m. 
• No. 5 Tarleton State (3-0): vs. Merrimack (1-2), 7 p.m. 
• No. 6 North Dakota (3-0): at Nebraska (0-2), 7:15 p.m. 
• No. 7 Lehigh (3-0, 3-0 Patriot): vs. Dartmouth (0-0), noon 
• No. 8 Stephen F. Austin (3-0, 2-0 Southland): at Prairie View A&M (1-2), 8 p.m.
• No. 9 Youngstown State (2-1): at No. 2 South Dakota State (2-1), 7 p.m. 
• No. 10 Tennessee Tech (3-0, 1-0 Southern): No game 
• No. 11 UC Davis (2-1, 1-0 Big Sky): vs. San Diego (0-2), 8 p.m. 
• No. 12 South Dakota (3-0): at Boise State (1-1), 10 p.m.
• No. 13 Rhode Island (2-1, 1-0 CAA): at Stony Brook (1-2, 0-0), 2:30 p.m.
• No. 14 Austin Peay (2-1): at No. 17 West Florida (2-0), 7 p.m.
• No. 15 Lamar (2-1): No game
• No. 16 South Carolina State (3-0): at Furman (2-1), 7 p.m.
• No. 17 West Florida (2-0, 1-0 UAC): vs. No. 14 Austin Peay (2-1), 7 p.m.
• No, 18 Idaho State (3-0): No game
• No. 19 Northern Arizona (2-1, 1-0 Big Sky): at Utah Tech (0-3, 0-1 Big Sky), 8 p.m.
• No. 20 Yale (0-0): at Holy Cross (0-3), 2 p.m.
• No. 21 William & Mary (2-1, 1-1 Patriot): vs. Fordham (0-3, 0-1), 6 p.m.
• No. 22 Mercer (2-1, 0-1 Southern): at Georgia Tech (0-2), noon
• No. 23 Villanova (1-2, 1-1 Patriot): at LIU (0-3), noon
• No. 24 Furman (2-1); vs. No. 16 South Carolina State (3-0), 7 p.m.
• No. 25 Southern Illinois (2-1): at Illinois (1-1), 2 p.m.

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