Monmouth College put on a dominant display Saturday afternoon, overwhelming visiting Cornell College 45–3 behind a record breaking performance from junior running back Nate Wrublik. The win keeps the Fighting Scots unbeaten in Midwest Conference play and extends their winning streak to five games.
Wrublik led the way with 163 rushing yards and a school record five touchdowns on 24 carries, headlining a punishing Monmouth ground attack that rolled up 363 yards. The Scots improved to 5–1 overall and 5–0 in the MWC. “Winning the conference and making the playoffs is where our heads are at moving forward. We are a good enough team to make a deep run in the playoffs.” Said the star back.
Nate Wrublik walks to his sideline. Photo from Monmouth Flickr.
Monmouth’s control of the game was evident from the outset. After allowing a field goal in the first quarter, the Scots responded with 38 unanswered points, shutting down Cornell’s offense.
The Scots offensive dominance was matched by a stifling defensive effort. Cornell was limited to just 97 total yards, converted only 1 of 13 third downs, and failed to score after the first quarter. Monmouth defenders Kaden Fogelsong and Ke’Aundre Gavin each registered their first career sacks adding to the stifling unit.
Despite a promising opening drive that resulted in a field goal, the Rams couldn’t keep pace. Monmouth pulled away quickly, taking a 28–3 lead into halftime and adding another 17 points after the break. The Scots finished with 25 first downs to Cornell’s 5 and outgained the Rams 432 to 97.
Wrublik’s five-touchdown day etched his name into Monmouth’s record books, breaking the previous single-game rushing TD mark. “It’s a blessing,” Wrublik said postgame. “But I owe it all to my O-line and the play calling. They made my job easy.” “What’s more important is that we are a team that proved that we can run and pass all over any defense. Which makes it hard for a team to game plan for us.”
The victory strengthens Monmouth’s grip atop the MWC standings as they prepare for a key matchup next week as they head North to take on Beloit.