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PISCATAWAY – It wasn’t quite as easy as many expected it to be early on, but Rutgers football ultimately rolled past Howard 44-7 in its season opener Thursday night at SHI Stadium.
Here are some instant takeaways:
How Athan Kaliakmanis, Rutgers football’s offense performed
There were some high expectations for the offense.
Rutgers brought in Kaliakmanis from Minnesota in the offseason to jumpstart what had been a pretty ineffective passing game, especially with an improved group of wide receivers.
Aug 29, 2024; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights defensive back Eric Rogers (0) runs back an interception for a touchdown during the first half against the Howard Bison at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
But for the most part, the offense was pretty conservative.
Kaliakmanis finished 15-of-24 passing for 147 yards with three touchdowns. Overall, he was accurate. And most importantly for Rutgers, he didn’t turn the ball over.
The Minnesota transfer threw three touchdown passes, a two-yard throw to Dymere Miller in the second quarter, a 34-yard throw to running back Sam Brown late in the third quarter and a three-yard throw to tight end Kenny Fletcher late in the fourth that put Rutgers up 38-7.
Overall Rutgers finished with 476 total yards of offense and rushed for 298 yards as a team.
The Scarlet Knights started off slow offensively but improved as the game progressed.
The question now is which version shows up going forward.
Pick six by Eric Rogers provided early momentum
The cornerback intercepted Howard QB Ja’shawn Scroggins on third-and-7 from the Howard 47 and returned it 52 yards for a touchdown early in the first quarter.
It was a big play from Rogers, who’s stepping into a bigger role following the departure of Max Melton.
And without that play from Rogers, Scarlet Knights…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/instant-takeaways-rutgers-football-blows-011342567.html
Author : App.com | Asbury Park Press
Publish date : 2024-08-30 01:13:42
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