The Scarlet Knights Deliver Massive Comeback for Homecoming

Like any homecoming, most hope to win in convincing fashion; however, Rutgers managed to shock many by completing a remarkable comeback. Before the game began, 52,869 fans were in attendance, making it nearly a sold-out event. Despite the bad weather, fans brought an exotic and refreshing energy to cheer on the Scarlet Knights during their homecoming. Fortunately, the Scarlet Knights were able to deliver a victory, despite not playing well for the majority of the game. The Scarlet Knights defeated the Michigan State Spartans, 27-24, and are now just one game away from securing a bowl game.

During the game, the Spartans appeared to be in control throughout; however, the momentum began to shift when the Knights started creating turnovers on defense and special teams.

“But man, it's fun, and as much work as you do together, and as much practice—you guys know, I say it all the time, practice is everything. I believe that,” Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano stated. “As much work as we put in in practice and off-season training and all that stuff, to be able to have a day like today where you just kept going at it and kept chopping and it turns your way, that's a special feeling."

What Does Being a Scarlet Knight Mean?

There were moments throughout the game when it seemed Rutgers couldn’t stop the Spartans from driving the ball up and down the field. Yet, the resilience or “chop” within this young Scarlet Knights team was displayed and utilized in key moments. In the past, the Knights have made resilience and relentlessness a part of their identity, and this game showcased that. Moving forward, Schiano explained that when recruiting, he not only considers talent but also the overall mentality of the player.

“We go to look and find the guys that fit. So they're good enough, as I said, athletes, and then there is a cultural fit,” Schiano explained to USA Today.

Tonight, the team won in the final quarter, but it took nearly perfect execution in every facet of the game to secure this comeback victory. Normally, this strategy doesn’t pan out well, yet the Knights managed to build up enough momentum by creating numerous turnovers and finding opportunities for extra possessions.

Arguably one of the most impressive performances of the day was by junior quarterback Gavin Wimsatt. Despite not recording the greatest numbers (13 passes for 181 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions), the resilience displayed by the young quarterback was extremely telling of his development. After throwing two early interceptions, he responded on the most important drive of the game with a touchdown pass that gave the Scarlet Knights the lead.

"You know, Gavin has really grown up quite a bit,” Schiano explained. “There wasn't much that needed to be said. He was frustrated. He certainly didn't want to sail it over the head, right, when that happened. But the thing that I've seen about him is how quickly he can put it behind him and chop the next moment, and that's what we talk about all the time. Each moment is its own moment."

“If you live in the past, that can steal from you, and if you live in the future, that can steal from you,” Schiano continued. “I thought he did a very good job of chopping the moment and was really proud of him. He's making progress."

Key Takeaways From Rutgers

Moving forward, the standard the Scarlet Knights must play to is significantly higher than what was displayed today. In the past, the Knights have shown they can play at a high level, but they have yet to display that consistently throughout all four quarters. This season, if they can manage to put together a full balance of dominance on the field, the Knights are more than capable of beating multiple teams within the Big Ten conference.

That said, the Scarlet Knights will now begin preparing to travel on the road to play the Indiana Hoosiers. On Saturday evening, October 21st, the Scarlet Knights will attempt to secure a bowl game and continue to advance and rise among their opposition within the Big Ten. Over the years, the Scarlet Knights have made a case for being legitimate competitors, and it appears the tide may have begun to turn!

Potential Stories:

• Largest comeback under Schiano
• 52,869 Attendance

PRE-GAME NOTES:

• Non-conference
• Last meeting: 66-7 Rutgers
• Wagner Seahawks

Rutgers (3-1):

• Last game: 31-7 Michigan
• HC: Greg Schiano
• 48 Juniors, 34 Sophomores, 20 Seniors
• Roster on page 14

Leading Passer, Rusher, Defense:

• Gavin Wimsatt (12-29, 163 yards, 1 TD)
• Kyle Monangai (14 att, 49 yards, 1 TD)

Leading Tackler: Ranked #11 within the Big Ten

• LB Deion Jennings (9 tackles)

Leading Interceptions: (2 DBs ranked in the top 10 within the Big Ten)

• CB Robert Longerbeam (#8 Big Ten)
• CB Max Melton (#9 Big Ten)

Temple (1-0):

• Last game: 24-21 Akron
• HC: Stan Drayton

GAME NOTES: 15 min quarters

1st Qtr:

• 7:32 Michigan State strikes first. K. Houser delivers a 13-yard reception to M. Foster Jr.7-0 Spartans
• 2:52 J. Patel delivers a 22-yard FG. 7-3 SpartansMichigan State is winning the possession battle.Rutgers delivers to Ian Strong by Wimsatt (gain of 27).Rutgers is moving the ball through the air off play-action.

2nd Qtr:

• Michigan State continues to make it difficult to move the ball on the ground with Monangai.
• Reggie Sutton's injury early in the second quarter is not great.
• Michigan State pressure forces Wimsatt to make an ill-advised throw out of bounds, killing the drive.
• 13:21 47-yard FG. 7-6 Spartans.Rutgers defense is making it difficult through the air; however, Michigan State is moving the ball efficiently on the ground.Rutgers establishes a blitz to prevent Michigan State from running freely on the ground.Rutgers defense gives up two huge plays via penalties (roughing the passer and PI).Rutgers defense is having an unfortunate day with big plays, yet Rutgers still has some momentum.Rutgers continues to play base Cover 1 and bring pressure.
• 9:27 Forced fumble by Robert Longerbeam recovered by Desmond Igbinosun.Michigan State continues to play Cover 1 shell to help apply pressure and play the run game.
• 7:12 Rutgers, on 4th and 1 at the 47-yard line, picks it up with Samuel Brown.Rutgers picks up the fourth down, but they are struggling to move the ball down the field.
• 6:28 Rutgers attempted FG by Michael Harsborn missed wide right.7-6 Spartans.A controversial PI call leads to 4th and short. Huge STOP by LB Tyreem Powell and a big momentum play for Rutgers.Rutgers is coming to hit today; another forced fumble.
• 4:01 Another forced fumble caused by Longerbeam and recovered by Longerbeam.
• 2:36 Wimsatt's ball is tipped and intercepted by Chance Rucker.
• 1:50 Rutgers punt return muffed by Rochelle and recovered by Michigan State on the 12-yard line.
• 1:46 12-yard rush for a TD by K. Houser.14-6 Spartans.Wimsatt moving the ball through the air during the 2-minute drill.Never mind—bad ball deep over the middle.
• 1:33 Wimsatt's pass intercepted by Mangham.PI penalty calls are controversial.
• 1:13 Pass intercepted by Rutgers, however, offsides call offsets the penalty.
• :15 14-6 Spartans.Spartans take a sack, leaving 5 seconds remaining.HALFTIME: 17-6 Spartans.

3rd Qtr:

• Rutgers moving the ball.Long drive, but the Knights keep it to 3rd and short or manageable situations.Big third-down throw dies on Wimsatt, forcing a punt on the opening drive out of the half.Not many screens are being thrown, and Rutgers continues to make it difficult for them on third downs.Rutgers continues to attempt to win on first and second down to help alleviate the pressure on third downs.Spartans are driving the ball down the field efficiently with small chunk plays, just picking up first downs.Spartans are winning 1st and 2nd downs, leading to easy conversions as they continue to drive downfield.Spartan running backs continue to get to the second level.
• 3:41 K. Houser delivers a 4-yard TD pass to Mosely (drive: 14 plays for 80 yards, 6:28).24-6 Spartans.Big sack for the Spartans on Wimsatt's blindside (-8 yards).Rutgers is struggling severely to move the ball down the field.End of 3rd Qtr: 24-6 Spartans.

4th Qtr:

• 14:40 Rutgers touchdown on special teams, Aaron Young with a TD.13-24 Spartans.Rutgers gains huge momentum, possibly enough to turn the game around.Rutgers defense forces an early three-and-out, forcing another punt for the Spartans

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