Saturday evening, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights (5-4) snapped a four-game losing streak by
defeating the Minnesota Gophers (6-4) at home, 26-19. The Scarlet Knights and Gophers put on
a show, however the thriller game was an emotional roller coaster. The Scarlet Knights overcame
a fourth-quarter deficit with 12 points in the final period on a touchdown, safety, and field goal.
“I think we are just continuing to get better,” Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano stated. “There's
no, like, "ah-ha" moment. I think everybody is getting more comfortable with the little details
that are required, and the way we practice. ... I think our quarterback, Athan, did a heck of a job.
He's been doing a heck of a job. He's getting better and better. You know, really proud of those
young backs today, with Kyle out, Ja'Shon Benjamin and Antwan, those guys, it's a true
freshman, and a redshirt freshman. Really proud of them.”
Despite not having star running back Kyle Monangai in the lineup, Rutgers quarterback Athan
Kaliakmanis finished 17-of-33 for 240 yards and three touchdown passes, including two to WR
Dymere Miller. While some believed Kaliakmanis took that step in the right direction, he
emphasized there’s so much more to be better at and continuing to grow.
“I have to be honest, I never feel like I’ve taken that step because I’m an athlete and I always feel
like I need to do something better,” Kaliakmanis stated. “So, I never think of it like that, even
today, there was a bunch of things I felt I could execute better.”
Rutgers has snapped the Gophers four-game winning streak with this victory. This was the 16th
comeback victory under Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano. The Scarlet Knights entered trailing
in the fourth quarter, 16-14, and secured 12 points to secure the win. The momentum began to
shift in the game as the defense began to record tackles for a loss and more sacks. In the final
quarter, the Scarlet Knights defense appeared to find the groove that’s been absent for the last
several weeks.
“It certainly should give them confidence, I think they [Defense] got back to who they were
today,” Schiano explained. “It has nothing to do with game planning or technique, while those
are critically important, that unit laid it on the line for each other. ... That’s how you make the
plays.”
Saturday night, Rutgers is on the road to face Maryland (1-5) at SECU Stadium. Kickoff is set
for 6 p.m.
