In a commanding performance, Rutgers secured a 44-7 victory over Howard University, but the lopsided scoreline has sparked controversy, with some accusing Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano of running up the score in the final moments of the game. The win, which took place on Thursday night in Piscataway, N.J., marked Rutgers’ eighth straight non-conference victory, but it wasn’t without its share of drama.
Rutgers’ star running back, Kyle Monangai, the reigning Big Ten Conference rushing champion, led the charge with 165 yards on 19 carries, matching his career-best. Monangai also added a touchdown to his impressive stat line, averaging 8.7 yards per carry. Transfer quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis, a University of Minnesota transfer, threw three touchdown passes, contributing to the Scarlet Knights’ offensive onslaught.
Defensively, Rutgers set the tone early, with defensive back Eric Rogers returning an interception 52 yards for a touchdown on Howard’s first possession. Despite a slow start, Rutgers quickly found its rhythm, and the game seemed out of reach for Howard by the second half.
The controversy arose on the final play of the game when Rutgers’ Antwan Raymond scored on an 11-yard run as time expired, pushing the score to 44-7. No point-after attempt was made, but the decision to run the play with only seven seconds left and the game well in hand drew ire from Howard’s head coach, Larry Scott.
Scott, visibly frustrated, suggested that he would have handled the situation differently had the roles been reversed. “I think we’re both two competitive people and in that situation,” Scott said. “I would have chosen to handle it a little bit differently. I can’t speak for him.”
Schiano, however, defended his decision, stating that he was merely giving his backup players a chance to experience live game action. “It wasn’t about running up the score,” Schiano explained. “It’s about getting our guys, who work hard in practice, the opportunity to play. There was no intention to disrespect Howard or their program.”
Despite the late-game controversy, the Scarlet Knights’ performance was dominant throughout. Kaliakmanis spread the ball effectively, completing 15 of 24 passes for 147 yards and three touchdowns without an interception. His touchdown passes included a 2-yard strike to Dymere Miller, a 34-yard pass to Samuel Brown, and a 3-yard connection with Kenny Fletcher, a converted defensive end.
Howard, a two-time defending Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference champion, struggled to keep pace with the Scarlet Knights. Eden James, son of NFL Hall of Famer Edgerrin James, scored Howard’s only touchdown on a 2-yard run late in the first half. Ja’shawn Scroggins, making his first start as Howard’s quarterback, showcased his dual-threat ability by rushing for 67 yards and passing for 116 yards, but it wasn’t enough to challenge Rutgers’ stout defense.
Reflecting on the game, Scott acknowledged the difficulty of facing a Power 4 opponent but remained focused on the positives. “Obviously disappointed in the results,” Scott said. “I thought there were some good things that we can definitely build off of. However, the result is not nearly what we came here to do and accomplish.”
Rutgers, which returned most of its Top 20-ranked defense from last season, showcased its defensive prowess by stifling Howard’s offense and forcing critical turnovers. Schiano praised Howard as a formidable opponent, despite the scoreline. “When you play an FCS opponent, they’re definitely different levels of FCS,” Schiano noted. “And this team is a very good football team. They’re going to have great success if they can stay healthy. So much respect for their program.”
Howard received a $425,000 guarantee for playing Rutgers, a common practice for smaller programs facing major conference teams. While the game ended in a blowout, the lingering question remains whether Schiano’s decision to push for a final touchdown will affect the perception of Rutgers’ sportsmanship as they continue their season.
