Rutgers may only need one game to match last season’s Big Ten win total.
After going 1-8 in conference play last year, the Scarlet Knights are off to a strong start in Sunday’s 2023 opener against Northwestern. They’re up 17-0 after an overpowering first half.
The day’s highlight came when converting a 3rd-and-10 to start the second quarter. Gavin Wimsatt connected with Isaiah Washington on a 12-yard play with a major assist from running back Kyle Monangai.
The junior running back leveled a Wildcats blitzer to give Wilmsatt more time in the pocket. Here’s a look at the impressive block:
RUNNING BACK PANCAKE 🥞 pic.twitter.com/dYAZoJek1k
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Rutgers capitalized with a six-yard touchdown run from Wimsatt. The 16-play scoring drive took over eight minutes.
Monangai returns for his third year in Rutgers after amassing 445 rushing yards and two touchdowns last season. The New Jersey native expressed excitement for the team’s 2023 debut at SHI Stadium earlier this week.
“I can’t wait to get out there and see the atmosphere that’s gonna be there,” Monangai told Rutgers Wire’s Kristian Dyer on Thursday. “You know, noon game on CBS. Fans – I know I’ve been waiting to come back and see us all play. We’re excited to show everybody what we’ve been working on all offseason.”
Thus far, Monangai has led the way with 27 rushing yards on 10 carries. Meanwhile, Rutgers has stuffed Northwestern to just 13 rushing yards.
Fans can watch the second half of a rare Sunday college game on CBS.