Holy Cross at Monmouth
Holy sh--, Cross! The Patriot League automatic needed their entire schedule to close out qualifying for the playoffs. Many will see the Crusaders as the weakest team in the field, which is fair. But now that they’re here, they have a chance just like everyone else. Sans two games against a bad Brown and a bad Fordham, Holy Cross has had a tough time putting up crooked numbers on the scoreboard, reaching 30 points just one time. That being said, quarterback Connor Degenhardt has been very secure with the ball, throwing only six picks in 334 attempts. There seems to be no main weapon on the outside as Ayir Asante, Tenio Ayeni and Spencer Gilliam all have over 500 yards receiving and at least three touchdowns. The offense relies on senior running back Domenic Cozier to carry a load, with his 1,050 rushing yards and seven scores. The defense has been good enough to contribute to their 7-5 record, but have given up 27 or more five times this year.
Monmouth is hoping their second trip to the playoffs will be more fun than the last time. And playing at home should make that a little easier. The offense has been spectacular, tallying over 36 points per game. In fact, they’re in a six of seven stretch having scored more than 45. The one odd game out? 35. This offense is clicking. This offense goes through running back Pete Guerriero, who has a playoff leading 1,668 yards this season. Not to mention 16 scores (two receiving). Kenji Bahar is chucking the ball all over the field, totaling 3,262 yards and a 28/8 ratio. Junior receiving tandem of Lonnie Moore IV and Terrence Green, Jr. are the main recipients. The defense has been helped tremendously. Knowing your offense is going to go out and get points, you can take more chances, pin your ears back and really get after an opposing offense.
Looking at the numbers, this screams mismatch. That’s why they play them on the field and not on paper. But sometimes the paper is right.
Prediction: Monmouth 48, Holy Cross 14
