MU Football: Go out on a High

Last Saturday was a big disappointment for MU Football. After playing a very solid first half and having a 17-14 in the third, the wheels fell off the wagon pretty fast and Albany showed why they have been the best team in the NEC all season long. It was a game that the Hawks needed to win and didn’t and it was a game that Monmouth was in and needed to close out but didn’t. Not only did the loss knock out MU from the NEC title talk but it continues the talk of losing at home.

There is one game left in the 2011 season and still many things to play for and finish off the year on a good note. With a win against Wagner on Saturday, MU finishes with a winning record (6-5), breaks a seven game home losing streak, and finishes in the top four (maybe top three) of the league. More importantly, it sets the tone for an off season that becomes extremely important for the Hawks as next year they will be one of the favorites in the NEC.

No team wants to end the year on a loss and there have been many positive things to take out of this season which will include and infusion of new players/talent that seems to have MU on an upswing. I can’t see any scenario in which either Julian Hayes or Neil Sterling doesn’t win the NEC Offensive Rookie of the Year and the NEC all conference should be represented well with Hawks. This was always a team that most thought was building toward 2012 and by winning Saturday you avoid a third straight losing season.

It usually isn’t hard to get motivated for playing Wagner which is Monmouth closest rival in the NEC. I for one am looking forward to wrapping up the 2011 season the right way; with a win.

Broadcast Information for this weekend .. Wagner @ MU .. 12pm kickoff.. 1160/1310 AM or shoresportsnetwork.com/gomuhawks.com (with video stream)

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