Rutgers football made a statement with their win over Temple. The Scarlet Knights defeated the Owls 36-7. It may have been a slow start, but this Rutgers football team showed up when it mattered the most, and they did it as a team. With a strong defense and an offense putting up big points, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights are officially 2-0. Here’s a look at how the Scarlet Knights got the win.
Scarlet Knights’ Powerful Defense
Rutgers RB Kyle Monangai (5) – Vincent Carchietta/USA TODAY Sports
A common theme not just this season, but last year as well, is that the Rutgers Scarlet Knights have a strong defense. Saturday’s game against the Temple Owls kept up with that storyline. Temple was only able to score seven points this game despite coming close to more at times. The Scarlet Knights defense ended the game with 66 combined tackles, one sack, and two tackles for loss, according to ESPN. The defense also had two interceptions in the game, which is the second week in a row doing that.
The two interceptions were by Shaquan Loyall, who returned it for 37 yards, and Jordan Thompson, who returned it for just two yards. These interceptions in the first two games have been huge momentum boosters and a great look for this Rutgers football team. The next thing to watch for is the eventual pick-six by this defense.
Rutgers WR JaQuae Jackson (9) – Vincent Carchietta/USA TODAY Sports
Offense Rallying When It Matters
The Scarlet Knights put up 36 points this game, a big game for this offense. This was not the most eventful game to start in terms of scoring. The third quarter ended, and the game was 13-0 with Rutgers in the lead. Toward the end of the third quarter, Temple scored their first and only touchdown of the game. When that happens, there is always the chance that momentum could be shifting. That was not the case as the Rutgers Scarlet Knights offense had themselves a strong fourth quarter.
This Rutgers football team scored on every play in the fourth quarter, except the final time that they had possession of the ball and just needed to run out the clock. First, in that quarter, it was a one-yard rushing touchdown by Kyle Monangai. The next drive for the Temple was their first of two interceptions, and Rutgers scored a field goal following that turnover. The next touchdown was a rushing touchdown by Samuel Brown V, his first for the season. Following Temple throwing their second interception, Al-Shadee Salaam scored the final touchdown for Rutgers.
This Rutgers football team was able to put up 23 points in the fourth quarter, a huge showing from this team. Quarterback Gavin Wimsatt ended the game with ten completions out of 21 attempts for 198 yards and one touchdown, according to ESPN. He came out healthy with no interceptions. The team also got their run game going, ending with 254 yards and three touchdowns. This game completely demonstrated what the Scarlet Knights can do when they have momentum.
Rutgers RB Ja’shon Benjamin (20) – Vincent Carchietta/USA TODAY Sports
Where Does Rutgers Football Go From Here
Next up for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights will be against the Virginia Tech Hokies. Virginia Tech is currently 1-1, their loss being against Purdue. This will be the third home game for this Rutgers football team in a row. With the momentum that is being built by the Scarlet Knights, they definitely have a chance to win. Hopefully, the fans will show up as well as they have been in order to keep pushing their team to more victories.
The key will be for the offense to score earlier in the game, and the defense should stick to how they have been playing. If they can continue to force interceptions, the Scarlet Knights have a true chance to win. The game will take place on Saturday, September 16th, at 3:30 p.m. Eastern.
