Rutgers Football Crushes Akron to Move to 2-0 on the Season

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights had a 200-yard pass and a 200-yard rusher in the same game for the first time since the 2008 International Bowl, as they demolished the visiting Akron Zips by a score of 49-17 on Saturday in Piscataway, New Jersey. 

Senior running back Kyle Monangai added to his impressive start of the 2024 season by rushing for a career high 208-yards and three touchdowns in just three quarters. Transfer quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis completed 14 passes for 230-yards and three touchdowns on the afternoon. Kaliakmanis connected with WR KJ Duff, the true freshman’s first ever college score, TE Kenny Fletcher, and WR Chris Long, respectively. Quebec-native Antwan Raymond added a touchdown late in the 4th quarter, his second of the season, to close out the Rutgers scoring. 

Defensively, the Scarlet Knights were led by Desmond Igbinosun with six total tackles including one tackle-for-loss. Daniel Djabome, Michael Robinson, Eric Rogers, and Abram Wright each notched four total tackles in the win. Rogers and transfer DT Malcom Ray each registered a sack in the game. Defensive back Shaquan Loyal registered the only turnover for the Scarlet Knights defense, a 4th quarter interception of Akron’s Ben Finley. 

Rutgers moves to 2-0 in out-of-conference play with the win. The Scarlet Knights have an early season bye next week before traveling to Blacksburg on September 21 to take on Virginia Tech.

Offensive Game Balls

• Rutgers RB Kyle Monangai- 27 carries, 208-yards (career high), 3 TDs
• Rutgers QB Athan Kaliakmanis- 14-for-23, 230-yards, 3 TDs

Defensive Game Balls

• Rutgers DB Desmond Igbinosun- 6 total tackles, 1 tackle-for-loss, 1 pass breakup
• Akron LB Bryan McCoy- 11 total tackles

Game Notes

• Rutgers moves to 2-0 for the fourth straight season
• Rutgers has won nine consecutive non-conference games and 13-of-14
• Rutgers has scored at least 40-points in two consecutive games for the first time in program history
• Running back Kyle Monangai set a career-high in rushing with 208-yards
• Monangai was the first Rutgers running back to rush for 200-yards since Josh Hicks in the 2014 Quick Lane Bowl
• Quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis has thrown three touchdown passes in two consecutive games
• The official attendance for Saturday’s game at SHI Stadium was 41,010

What’s Next for Rutgers Football in 2024

The Scarlet Knights have an early season bye before completing out-of-conference play in a crucial game against former Big East foe Virginia Tech on September 21 in Blacksburg.

• Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Virginia Tech Hokies
• When: Saturday, September 21, 2024
• Where: Lane Stadium | Blacksburg, VA
• Kickoff: To Be Determined
• TV: To Be Determined (likely the ACC Network)
• Last Meeting: Rutgers defeated Virginia Tech by a score of 35-16 last season in New Jersey