Rutgers Drops Big Ten Opener vs. Iowa

IOWA 27 - RUTGERS 10

Despite a stellar defensive performance, the Rutger Scarlet Knights couldn't overcome a pair of costly turnovers as Iowa walked away with a 27-10 in Piscataway, Saturday night. The loss drops Rutgers to 3-1, 0-1 in Big Ten play, on the season.

Rutgers outgained Iowa 361-277; had more first downs (20-15), did better on third down (5-of-16 for RU vs. 1-for-9 for Iowa), and had more offensive plays (74-55).

Alas it wasn't enough.

Rutgers quarterback Evan Simon threw for 300 yards, but had two bad interceptions, including one that was brought back by Cooper DeJean for a 45-yard touchdown that gave Iowa a 7-3 lead with 5:26 to go in the opening quarter.

Simon was also sacked three times.

Midway through the second quarter, a costly fumble was brought back 30 yards for the score by Kaevon Merriweather that augmented the Hawkeyes lead to 11 at 14-3.

Rutgers defense held firm to the best of its ability, holding Iowa to a pair of field goals and a third quarter touchdown run by LeShaun Williams that blew the scoring open at 24-3.

Had Rutgers not turned it over twice, and, had Iowa not turned those opportunities into points, it would have been a far different ball game down the stretch.

RU's lone touchdown came in the fourth quarter with 11:15 to go when Aaron Cruickshank hauled in an 18-yarder with his back to the pylon on back shoulder fade by Simon to cut the deficit to 24-10. Cruickshank had 55-yards on seven receptions. Shameen Jones hauled in five balls for 71-yards.

The Scarlet Knights defense held Iowa to 277 yards of offense, and sacked Iowa quarterback Spencer Petras three times.

Aaron Cruickshank hauled in this beauty of a touchdown.

Coach Schiano spoke to reporters following a 27-10 loss to Iowa.