Rutgers Extend Season by Clinching Bowl Game After Defeating Maryland

Saturday afternoon, proved to be another historic season in the making for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights (6-4) as they clinched a bowl game for the eighth time under Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano. In consecutive seasons, they’ve clinched back-to-back bowl games which hasn’t happened since 2014. The Scarlet Knights defeated Maryland (4-6) on the road, 31-17.

“I think they’re an unselfish group that plays for each other, as you guys know we’re down a lot of guys right now,” Schiano stated. “But other guys are stepping up and to see the guys with experience help those inexperienced players, I think that’s cool as a coach.”

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Key Takeaways 

Rutgers has now matched its most victories in Big Ten play since joining the league before the 2014 season. The Scarlet Knights scored touchdowns on four straight drives — not counting an end-of-half kneel-down in the second quarter — and won for the second straight week following a four-game skid. Athan Kaliakmanis threw two touchdown passes, Kyle Monangai scored twice on the ground and Rutgers became bowl-eligible with a 31-17 victory over Maryland on Saturday night.

“It’s an amazing feeling,” Kaliakmanis said. “It was awesome, but we know we got more work to do.”

Rutgers: It was an unspectacular day for Monangai, who had a 70-yard run called back because of a penalty, but Kaliakmanis was sharp, going 20 of 30 for 238 yards. The Scarlet Knights have rebounded nicely from a winless October.

What’s Next for Rutgers?

Rutgers concludes its home schedule by hosting Illinois on Nov. 23 at SHI Stadium for Senior Day/Thank You Fans. Kickoff is set for noon on Peacock.

“I was just thrilled with the way after you win four and then you lose four it can go either way,” Schiano continued. “The way they bonded together with the staff, players, and all of us together. I think it’s a defining moment for our team and program. Now, we just have to keep moving forward.”