Rutgers Stuns Spartans with Amazing Comeback
Face it! With the scoreboard reading: Michigan State 24 – Rutgers 6, you thought the game was over.
On a rain soaked afternoon that put a damper on Homecoming at SHI Stadium, things were not looking good early.
Well, Rutgers had other ideas. The Scarlet Knights pulled off one of their greatest comeback victories since becoming a member of the Big Ten when they scored three fourth quarter touchdowns to stun the Spartans of Michigan State, 27-24.
The shocking turn of events took place over a span of four minutes in the final stanza, with the turnaround coming when Michigan State punter Michael O’Shaugnessy fumbled a wet ball only to have Rutgers kick the ball back into the end zone. Aaron Young fell on the loose ball for the Rutgers touchdown to cut the deficit down to 24-13.
After Rutgers defense shutdown Michigan State in a quick three-and-out, Gavin Wimsatt guided Rutgers on a 12-play, 75-yard drive that culminated with Wimsatt hitting Isaiah Washington on a four yard touchdown to bring the Scarlet Knights to within six.
Rutgers continued to cash in on MSU mistakes when Tyrell Henry muffed the kick-off return for Michigan State. Rutgers recovered the ball at the Spartans own 21-yard line.
On the next play, Kyle Monanagi sprinted up the middle to paydirt to give RU a 27-24 lead.
Michigan State would only touch the football once more, gaining only three yards on their last drive of the day. For the final seven and a half minutes, Rutgers grinded out the Spartans and the clock to end the contest.
Monangai finished the day with 148 yards on the ground on 24 carries with a touchdown. Wimsatt, despite throwing a couple of picks, finished 13-of-28 for 181 yards and a touchdown. Christian Dremel led the way on wide out with 80 yards on six catches.
What’s Next:
At 5-2, the Scarlet Knights are in great position to make a serious bowl bid. They need just one more win to become eligible, and have a shot to do it next week when they visit a struggling Indiana team. Get ready to rumble Rutgers!
Controversy:
The game wasn’t without a little controversy. In the second quarter linebacker Tyreem Powell sent fans to their feet with a huge tackle of Nathan Carter. The refs flagged him for targeting and ejected him. Watch it for your yourself.
