PISCATAWAY − The Rutgers football team kicked off its season with a commanding victory, defeating Howard 44-7 at SHI Stadium on Thursday night. The Scarlet Knights initially struggled offensively but found their rhythm in the second half.
Freshman running back Antwan Raymond sealed the game with an 11-yard touchdown run just before time expired.
Here are the highlights of the match:
As the game neared its conclusion, Rutgers scored again when quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis connected with tight end Kenny Fletcher for a three-yard touchdown pass, bringing the score to 38-7 with 4:16 left.
Running back Sam Brown made his mark with a 34-yard touchdown reception from Kaliakmanis, extending Rutgers’ lead to 31-7 with just over two minutes remaining in the third quarter—marking Brown’s first career touchdown catch.
Kyle Monangai added to the lead with a seven-yard touchdown run, increasing the score to 24-7 early in the third quarter, while Monangai achieved a career-high 165 rushing yards during the game.
Howard managed to get on the scoreboard shortly before halftime with a two-yard touchdown run from Eden James, making it 14-7 in favor of Rutgers.
In the second quarter, Kaliakmanis found Dymere Miller for a two-yard touchdown, completing a seven-play, 55-yard drive. This was Miller’s first touchdown for the Scarlet Knights after transferring from Monmouth.
Rutgers opened the scoring with Eric Rogers returning an interception 52 yards for a touchdown, putting them ahead 7-0 in the first quarter.
The game was broadcast nationally on the Big Ten Network, featuring play-by-play announcer Jason Horowitz and analyst Matt Millen.
Rutgers’ next games will include matches against Akron, Virginia Tech, and several Big Ten opponents, while Howard will face teams like Mercyhurst and Hampton throughout their season.