PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Jaden Shirden rushed for 211 yards and two touchdowns, including a go-ahead 16-yard score with 46 seconds left, and Monmouth beat Villanova 49-42 on Saturday.
Villanova had tied it a 42-all with 2:42 left, and the Wildcats’ defense appeared to let Shirden score on a first-and-10 play to have another shot on offense.
The Wildcats marched down the field, highlighted by a 34-yard completion between Connor Watkins and Dez Boykin, to get to the Monmouth 39 with three seconds left. But Mike Reid sealed it with an interception of a Connor Watkins pass in the end zone.
Shirden also scored on a 56-yard run in the third quarter to help Monmouth (2-2) knock off the 10th-ranked team in the FCS coaches poll.
Tony Muskett was 11 of 17 for 161 yards and three scores for Monmouth. Assanti Kearney caught two touchdown passes and Dymere Miller added 81 yards receiving with a score. Owen Wright added two rushing TDs.
Villanova (2-2) was led by Jalen Jackson’s 28 carries for 187 yards and three touchdowns. Watkins threw for 239 yards with a touchdown and he added 58 yards rushing with two scores.
The Teams each had 40-plus rushing attempts and at least 290 yards on the ground.
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