PISCATAWAY − The Rutgers football team kicked off its season with a decisive 44-7 victory over Howard on Thursday night at SHI Stadium, despite a slow start from the offense.
Freshman running back Antwan Raymond sealed the win with an 11-yard touchdown run as time expired.
The game saw Rutgers extend its lead in the second half, beginning with a three-yard touchdown pass from Athan Kaliakmanis to tight end Kenny Fletcher, making the score 38-7 with just over four minutes left in the game.
In a strong performance, running back Sam Brown scored his first career touchdown catch when he connected with Kaliakmanis for a 34-yard touchdown, bringing the score to 31-7 late in the third quarter.
Kyle Monangai also made significant contributions, scoring a seven-yard touchdown and reaching a career-high 165 yards during the game, extending Rutgers’ lead to 24-7.
Howard managed to score just before halftime, with Eden James running in a two-yard touchdown, making it 14-7.
Rutgers initially took the lead 14-0 early in the second quarter when Kaliakmanis threw a two-yard touchdown pass to Dymere Miller. This drive, which covered 55 yards in seven plays, featured a 39-yard run from Monangai that set up the score.
The first touchdown of the season for Rutgers was scored by Eric Rogers, who returned an interception 52 yards for a score, putting the Scarlet Knights ahead 7-0 in the first quarter.
The game was broadcast nationally on the Big Ten Network, with Jason Horowitz and Matt Millen calling the action, alongside Taryn Hatcher reporting from the sidelines. Streaming options included Paramount+, Fubo, and other platforms.
Looking ahead, Rutgers football has an exciting schedule as they prepare to face Akron next, with upcoming games against formidable opponents like Virginia Tech, Nebraska, and Wisconsin.