Rutgers kept their bowl hopes a reality by beating Maryland 35-20 on Saturday.
Besides an ugly first quarter that consisted of surrendering a 73-yard touchdown on a quarterback keeper and an improbable
interception that occurred on the Scarlet Knights’ first drive, Rutgers largely controlled the game.
On their first drive in the second quarter, the Knights found the end zone on a DT Sheffield nine-yard touchdown reception. Maryland would respond with a field goal drive of their own before Rutgers would score another touchdown to take the lead. Both teams would trade touchdowns on their next two drives, allowing Rutgers to regain their four point lead.
With time expiring in the first half, Maryland quarterback Malik Washington would have his pass picked off by Jett Elad, sending the Knights into the half up 21-17.
Rutgers would continue to pull away in the second half, as it would score on their first drive after the break. Maryland’s offense would have a tough time solving the Knights’ defense in the second half, as they would only score 3 points in the final 30 minutes, and two of their drives led to a turnover on downs. Rutgers’ offense would score one more touchdown in the fourth quarter to ice the game.
Knights running back Antwan Raymond had a generational game against the Terrapins. On 41 carries, he totaled 240 yards and one touchdown. His performance is the third highest rushing stat line for a single game in school history. His 41 carries are also tied for the most carries in a single game in school history.
Rutgers quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis had a good day as well, completing 13 out of 20 passes for 229 yards and four touchdowns. Wide receiver Ian Strong had a hat trick through the air, as he had three touchdown catches on five receptions. He totaled 88 receiving yards on the day.
The defense showed some improvement as well, as they were able to get off the field in crucial situations. They held Washington to just 98 yards through the air and stalled Maryland’s offense three times in the second half to secure the win.
Their struggles against running quarterbacks were still present, as they surrendered 164 rushing yards to Washington on eight carries. The Knights struggled to stop the run in general this game, as they let up 305 yards on the ground.
Rutgers will have a chance to rest during its bye week before heading out to Columbus in two weeks to face No.1 Ohio State. The kickoff time for that game is yet to be announced.
