Scarlet Knights Kyle Monangai Etches his Name in History Books

Saturday afternoon, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights (2-0) dominated the Akron Zips (0-2), 49-17. Despite displaying a nearly flawless performance, there’s still a lot more to be accomplished, and expectations only continue to grow. Rutgers has won nine consecutive non-conference games and 13 of the last 14. The Scarlet Knights are now 52-20 overall in such games under head coach Greg Schiano. The Zips were formidable opponents; however, the real season begins now for Rutgers as they enter the more rigorous part of their schedule. A reason for optimism heading into the tough portion of the Knights' schedule is that this Rutgers team has proven to be resilient in the past. Typically, Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano's teams often demonstrate grit, resiliency, and toughness.

“I thought that was big in this game because it turned into an 11-point game,” Schiano explained, showing admiration for his team's mindset after giving up a touchdown on the opening drive after halftime. “It turned into a two-score game, and we answered the bell. That was an important answer to the bell.”

“I always tell our team that these games take a life of their own,” he continued. “It was huge to go score after that touchdown drive by Akron. I think that drive was the most important part of the game.”

Kyle Monangai Makes History

That said, Scarlet Knights star running back Kyle Monangai has been preparing for this intense schedule since the beginning of the season. Today, Monangai recorded 27 carries for 208 yards and three touchdowns. After today’s performance, Monangai solidifies his name as the No. 9 rusher in Rutgers football history. Monangai rushed for a career-high 208 yards, tying for the 10th-best mark in a game in school history. He became the first Scarlet Knight to reach 200 rushing yards in a game since Josh Hicks totaled 202 versus North Carolina. Despite Monangai’s success, the team generally appears to be playing more cohesively. The chemistry is evident and is translating on the field at all levels.

After the game, Scarlet Knights quarterback Athan Kalamanis spoke highly of Monangai and the entire offense. It’s evident Kalamanis is enjoying his time in New Jersey, and the team is feeding off all of the positive energy.

“They help me out a lot. My team was just making plays,” Kalamanis stated. “It’s everybody just executing their job, and we can do that. ... If we continue to ‘chop’ at our job, it’ll help us stay in the moment and stay focused, ultimately resulting in a successful ending for us.”

What’s Next for Rutgers?

Rutgers has an open week before traveling to Virginia Tech (Sept. 21) for the first time since 2002. The Scarlet Knights won last season's matchup against the Hokies, 35-16, at SHI Stadium.

Game Notes:

• 41,021 attendance
• Angle: Kyle Monangai Scores a Hat Trick
• Real Season Begins

1st Quarter:

• Missed Kyle Monangai 3-yard touchdown

2nd Quarter:

• Akron moving the ball
• Driving down the field, but penalties are killing them
• 6:53: 7-0 Rutgers
• Rutgers stuffs a run up the middle, bringing up a big fourth down
• 41-yard attempt is good by Akron (flag on the play)
• 6:06: 7-3 Rutgers
• Monangai breaks a long run down the middle but is chased down
• 12 carries for 154 Monangai
• 62-yard career long for Monangai
• Touchdown pass by Athan called back due to illegal man down the field
• Ball on the 13, another flag on the play
• Akron is making a goal-line stand with the ball on the 6-yard line
• Akron stacks the box, preventing Monangai from punching in another touchdown
• 3rd and 6
• 2:00: 7-3 Rutgers (Rutgers ball on the 6-yard line)
• Athan throws a 6-yard pass for a touchdown
• :16: 14-3 Rutgers
• Kyle Monangai scores on a 1-yard touchdown
• :09: 21-3 Rutgers

HALFTIME:

• 21-3 Rutgers
• Monangai: 2 rushing TDs, Athan: 1 TD pass

3rd Quarter:

• Akron has the ball to start the half
• Great pass down the field
• Akron driving successfully
• Huge hit on screen play by Rutgers forces incompletion
• Blown coverage by Rutgers gives up a touchdown
• Touchdown scored by A. Norton on a pass from B. Finley
• Scoring Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 3:15
• 11:45: 21-10 Rutgers
• Kyle Monangai has a career-high rushing yards
• Rutgers continues to feed the ball to Monangai
• 9:17: 21-10 Rutgers
• Rutgers is running the ball down the field; they have yet to throw a pass this drive
• Rutgers is running the ball down their throat
• Rutgers is near the goal line (4-yard line)
• Monangai has 200 yards on the ground, first since Josh Hicks in 2014
• 4:56: Rutgers answers scoring drive
• 4:56: 28-10 Rutgers, Monangai (hat trick: 3 TDs today) 2-yard rushing TD
• 6:49: 12 plays, 75 yards
• Top 10 rushing yards all-time, sits at No. 9
• 3:14: Athan Kalamanis 58-yard touchdown pass to Chris Long
• 2 plays, 62 yards, 0:46
• 3:14: 35-10 Rutgers

4th Quarter:

• 13:25: 42-10 Rutgers
• 13:25: K. Fletcher 9-yard reception thrown by A. Kaliakmanis (PAT Kick by J. Patel GOOD)
• 6 plays, 74 yards, 3:45
• Akron throws an interception
• Leads to a rushing touchdown
• 11:24: Rushing touchdown scored by A. Raymond
• Scoring Drive: 2 plays, 4 yards, 0:06
• 11:24: 49-10 Rutgers
• Rutgers' defense breaks down, gives up a huge rush for a touchdown
• 10:11: 49-17 Rutgers
• Backups are in for both teams

FINAL: 49-17 Rutgers