HAMILTON – A stunning second-half comeback by No. 22 Monmouth spoiled the Colgate coaching debut of Curt Fitzpatrick as the Hawks rallied from a 31-7 deficit to beat the Raiders 42-39 at Crown Field at Andy Kerr Stadium. 

Monmouth scored 35 consecutive points before Colgate could answer with a late touchdown. The Hawks were able to run out the clock following the ensuing kickoff. 

Coach Fitzpatrick's Comments

"I wish we could've finished that game off obviously. No moral victories in football but I'm proud of the way we competed. We played with class and the kids played hard. I'm happy with the effort. We wish we could've executed a little bit better in a few different facets. We were one drive away from beating a really good team. Credit to Coach Callahan and Monmouth for making big plays in the second half. They're an explosive team on offense. I have a lot of respect for their quarterback and their receiving core made some big plays. A lot to like about how we played. I'm excited about this group and what we can become as the season goes on."

First Quarter

• Colgate got off to a blazing start, scoring on its first three possessions two of which began with interceptions by Tymir Wynn. Marco Maldonado capped an 80-yard drive with a four-yard touchdown to open the scoring.
• On the next series Wynn grabbed his second pick to set up another 80-yard march that ended with a Zach Osborne three-yard strike to Treyvhon Saunders.

Second Quarter

• Monmouth opened the quarter completing a 59-yard drive to pull within a touchdown. 
• The Raiders answered by going 72 yards in 10 plays with Luke Vogeler drilling a 42-yard field goal for a 17-7 advantage. 
• Colgate snared its third interception of the half on Monmouth's next possession with Justyn Toler making the grab. The Raiders' third 80-yard drive of the half ended with a 22-yard pass from Osborne to Saunders for a 24-7 halftime lead.

Third Quarter

• The Hawks tried an on-sides kick to open the second half, which was recovered by Colgate at the Monmouth 45.
• On the third play following the recovery, Osborne left the game with an injury. Jake Stearney came in and directed the remainder of the drive which resulted in a 2-yard pass to Brendan Cassamajor and a 31-7 advantage.
• Monmouth retorted with a 70-yard pass play on the second play of the ensuing possession and added the two-point conversion to bring the score to 31-15. The Hawks forced a punt and went on a nine play 74-yard drive to pull within 10 as the conversion failed, 31-21. 

Fourth Quarter

• A nine-play 80-yard drive that started in the third quarter ended with a fourth consecutive Hawk touchdown just 53 seconds into the period making the score 31-28. Following a strip sack, it took Monmouth only one play to cover the 51 yards to pay dirt and take a 35-31 lead.
• A 75-yard run on the Hawks' next possession gave Monmouth an 11-point cushion at 42-31. The Raiders answered with their best drive of the second half going 85 yards in 11 plays with Danny Shaban scoring his first career touchdown from two yards out. 

Notes

• Saunders had a career day making 13 receptions for a career single game high 223 yards.
• He became the first Colgate player to reach 200 yards receiving since John Madaluna racked up 261 against Cornell in 2016. 
• His two touchdowns were also the most he's had in a game in his Colgate career.
• His 223 yards were tied for the third most in a single-game in program history. The senior also eclipsed 2,000 career receiving yards.
• Osborne completed 11 of 14 pass attempts for 227 yards and was the Raiders' leading rusher with 59 yards on 10 carries. Colgate ran up 336 yards of offense prior to his injury and netted 105 after.
• In addition to his two interceptions, Wynn added five solo tackles and added an assist. Trooper Price led the Raiders with 10 total tackles. Christian Magliacano had Colgate's fourth interception and made seven tackles.

Up Next
Colgate (0-1) hits the road for the first time next Saturday to take on No. 13 Villanova. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.