It’s a great day to be a Scarlet Knight as Rutgers football begins its season 1-0. Rutgers took down the Northwestern Wildcats to open up the 2023 season and the Scarlet Knights did not disappoint.
The Scarlet Knights put up 17 points in the first half to propel themselves over the Wildcats. Rutgers was productive on offense, recording zero turnovers and only punting five times. The Scarlet Knights picked up 20 first downs, 122 rushing yards, 163 passing yards for a total of 285 yards over 73 plays.
Quarterback Gavin Wimsatt looked much more comfortable and efficient compared to last year and his stats supported it. In the air, Wimsatt was 17-of-29 for 163 yards and one touchdown. On the ground Wimsatt recorded one rushing touchdown over nine attempts for 33 yards.
On the ground Rutgers had a great one-two punch with Kyle Monangai and Ja’shon Benjamin. Monangai had 14 attempts, recorded one touchdown and 49 yards for an average of 3.5 yards per carry. Benjamin ran 20 times for 46 yards.
In the air Rutgers had five receivers recorded over 20 yards, however, one player stood out the most from this group, and that player was Ian Strong. Strong made a gorgeous catch on the back left side of the end zone to put Rutgers up early.
The first TD of the year for @RFootball is a beauty! pic.twitter.com/qLt1htfy9p
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) September 3, 2023
It wouldn’t be fair to credit Wimsatt or the offensive production without making note of the great job the Rutgers offensive line did. Wimsatt did not get sacked once and the run game was only possible because of the big guys up front making nice blocks and holes for their teammates.
The offense wasn’t the only side of the ball hot for Rutgers, as the Scarlet Knights’ defense was just as much the star of the show. Rutgers recorded five sacks against Northwestern to go along with two interceptions.
Mohamed Toure, Tyreem Powell, Shaquan Loyal, Rene Konga and Kenny Fletcher all recorded one sack. Deion Jennings led the team with nine tackles (4 assisted, 5 solo), while Mohamed Toure (5 assisted, 3 solo) and Tyreem Powell (4 assisted, 4 solo) tied second in tackles. Flip Dixon held steady at third with six tackles (4 assisted, 2 solo). Max Melton and Robert Longerbeam each recorded one interception on the day.
There were some BIG hits by the Rutgers defense today, but this Shaquan Loyal hit takes the cake.
MASSIVE hit by Shaquan Loyal:#Rutgers pic.twitter.com/D2diyl6Oi4
— Lincoln Heimbach (@LincHeimbachTSP) September 3, 2023
Game Scoring Recap
Rutgers got on the board first with 8:04 left in the first quarter. Wimsatt put it in the air for Strong who made an excellent catch in the back left of the end zone.
The Strong TD ⬇️ https://t.co/FRnivxJSTP
— Rutgers Football (@RFootball) September 3, 2023
With 13:26 left In the second quarter, Wimsatt took it to the house himself for a six-yard touchdown run. The Scarlet Knights boosted their lead to 14-0.
#Rutgers Football QB1 @GavinWimsatt with the 6yd keeper for the score. #RU leads 14-0 with 13:26 left in the second quarter. pic.twitter.com/LBvi1vj9Ig
— Rutgers Scarlet Knights | TheKnightReport.Net (@RutgersRivals) September 3, 2023
With 7:42 left in the second quarter, Jai Patel put a 32-yarder through the uprights to further Rutgers lead to 17-0. The score was Patel’s first ever field goal of his career.
Rutgers continued to bring the boom with 4:05 left in the third quarter as Kyle Monangai took it to the house for a 15-yard touchdown run. The Scarlet Knights were up 24-0.
More Monangai 😤@kylemonangai extends @RFootball's lead.
📺: CBS pic.twitter.com/hUXRKabe8O
— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) September 3, 2023
Northwestern finally got on the board with 19 seconds left in the game. Caleb Komolafe made it over the line for the score. Northwestern cut the lead down to 24-7.
Rutgers Full Game Stats
For Rutgers vs Northwestern (9/3) full game stats click here.
Game Notables
- The win signifies Rutgers fourth victory over Northwestern and first since 1991.
- Rutgers has moved to 11-4 in season openers in the Head Coach Greg Schiano era.
- First Big Ten home opener win since Rutgers joined the conference in 2014.
- Rutgers dominated time of possession holding the ball for 37:56.
- Ian Strong recorded his first career touchdown on his first ever catch (true freshman).
- Players making their Collegiate debut: Flynn Appleby, Ja’Shon Banjamin, Jake Eldridge, Timmy Hinspeter, Jai Patel, Ian Strong, Moses Walker, Taj White and Trevor Yeboah-Kodie.
Rutgers Next Football Game
The Scarlet Knights are back at the birthplace of football next Saturday against the Temple Owls
- Vs: Temple University (1-0)
- Date: September 9th, 2023 (Saturday)
- Time: 7:30 p.m. EST
- Location: SHI Stadium - Piscataway, NJ
- Watch: Big Ten Network
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