The Rutgers Scarlet Knights delivered a strong performance in Week 12, defeating the Maryland Terrapins with a final score of 31-16. This victory not only showcased the talent of quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis and running back Kyle Monangai but also secured Rutgers’ place in the upcoming bowl season. With this win, the Scarlet Knights improved their record to 6-4, making them officially bowl eligible, while Maryland fell to 4-6, continuing their struggles in conference play.
Game Summary: Rutgers vs. Maryland
The Scarlet Knights displayed an impressive offensive strategy, accumulating a total of 370 yards. They were efficient on third downs, converting 6 out of 14 attempts, and they were flawless on fourth down, successfully converting all three tries. Athan Kaliakmanis shone in the passing game, averaging 7.9 yards per attempt, which opened up opportunities for the running game to average 3.6 yards per carry. However, the team faced a challenge with discipline, committing eight penalties for 80 yards, a statistic they will need to address as they move forward.
Maryland had its moments, particularly through the air, as quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. threw for 335 yards and one touchdown. However, the Terrapins struggled to maintain momentum, especially in the fourth quarter, where they were shut out. Despite a strong start, Maryland could not keep pace with Rutgers, who scored the final 17 points of the game.
Key Players Shine
Athan Kaliakmanis was instrumental in the victory for Rutgers. He completed 20 of 30 passes for 238 yards and threw two touchdown passes without any interceptions. His ability to connect with his receivers and manage the game effectively was crucial. Running back Kyle Monangai also had a standout performance, rushing for 97 yards on 25 carries and scoring two touchdowns. His contributions on the ground were vital in maintaining the offensive rhythm and controlling the clock.
On the defensive side, Jordan Thompson made his mark with an interception, showcasing the Scarlet Knights’ ability to create turnovers. This defensive effort, combined with the offensive production, allowed Rutgers to dominate the game and secure the win.
Box Score Breakdown
Let’s delve into the box score to see how the game unfolded:
Final Score Summary
| Team | 1st Quarter | 2nd Quarter | 3rd Quarter | 4th Quarter | Final Score |
| Rutgers | 0 | 14 | 7 | 10 | 31 |
| Maryland | 3 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 17 |
Rutgers Scarlet Knights Performance
Quarterback Stats
| Player | Carries | Rushing Yards | Rushing TDs | Passing Completions | Passing Yards | Passing TDs | Interceptions |
| Athan Kaliakmanis | 7 | 26 | 0 | 20-30 | 238 | 2 | 0 |
Rushing & Receiving Stats
| Player | Carries | Rushing Yards | Rushing TDs | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Receiving TDs |
| Kyle Monangai | 25 | 97 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 0 |
| Dymere Miller | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 107 | 1 |
| Ian Strong | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 86 | 1 |
Maryland’s Struggles
For Maryland, the performance was a mixed bag. Despite Billy Edwards Jr.’s impressive passing yardage, the team struggled to establish a consistent offensive rhythm. The Terrapins managed only one rushing touchdown from Roman Hemby, who rushed for 87 yards on 16 carries. The lack of offensive balance ultimately hindered their chances of competing effectively against Rutgers.
Maryland Terrapins Performance
Quarterback Stats
| Player | Carries | Rushing Yards | Rushing TDs | Passing Completions | Passing Yards | Passing TDs | Interceptions |
| Billy Edwards Jr | 7 | 28 | 0 | 32-55 | 335 | 1 | 1 |
As the bowl season approaches, Rutgers has positioned itself well for a postseason berth, while Maryland will need to regroup and find answers to their ongoing struggles. With the Scarlet Knights showcasing their potential, fans can look forward to an exciting finish to the season.
