Freshman QB Vezza makes first completion count, lifting New Hampshire over Monmouth 31-24

Published Nov. 11, 2023 3:58 p.m. ET

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WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. (AP) — Freshman Matt Vezza's first career completion, a 38-yard touchdown pass to Myles Thomason, capped a 21-point fourth quarter and lifted New Hampshire to a 31-24 victory over Monmouth on Saturday.

Vezza stepped in for Max Brosmer in the middle of the go-ahead drive and hit Thomason for the go-ahead score with 2:18 remaining in the game. Monmouth then drove to the UNH 32-yard line before Marquez McCray threw incomplete on fourth down on the final play.

In a game that featured the FCS leader in passing yards (Brosmer) and the leader in rushing yards (Monmouth's Jaden Shirden), it was Monmouth's McCray and Dymere Miller who dominated the statistics.

Miller caught 11 passes for a school-record 333 yards and set the program record for career receiving yards. McCray completed 21 of 32 passes for 402 yards, including touchdowns of 63 and 75 yards to Miller.

The 75-yard connection gave Monmouth a 24-17 lead in the fourth quarter, but New Hampshire (5-5, 3-4 Coastal Athletic Association) closed out the win with Isaac Seide's 1-yard run and Vezza's toss to Thomason.

Shirden, who entered the game with 1,344 yards rushing this season, was held to 85 yards for the Hawks (4-6, 3-4).

Brosmer, with 2,939 yards coming in, was 28 of 45 for 239 yards with two touchdowns and one interception.

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