In a bitterly cold regular-season finale, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights defeated Michigan State 41-14.
In Saturday’s victory, Jai Patel kicked four field goals, Antwan Raymond added two runs, and Rutgers running back Kyle Monangai ran for 129 yards and a touchdown.
In the game, which took place in freezing temperatures and blowing snow, the Scarlet Knights scored on eight of their nine possessions.
The Scarlet Knights (7-5, 4-5 Big Ten) have won seven games in the regular season for the first time since 2014, and Rutgers has won four Big Ten games for the first time.
After dropping four of their last five games, the Spartans (5-7, 3-6 Big Ten) missed out on bowl qualifying for the third year in a row.
Nate Carter’s 25-yard touchdown run on the first possession gave Michigan State the lead. Monangai ran for a 7-yard touchdown in one of Rutgers’ five plays in response.
With 7:29 remaining in the first quarter, Patel made a 25-yard field goal to give the Scarlett Knights the lead for good. A snap that passed through Michigan State punter Ryan Eckley’s hands and was recovered at the 1-yard line set up his kick.
Rutgers increased their lead to 23-7 in the second quarter with two field goals from Patel and a 13-yard touchdown run by Antwan Raymond.
In the third quarter, Athan Kaliakmanis of the Scarlett Knights threw a 9-yard touchdown pass to Ian Strong and a two-point conversion throw to KJ Duff. In the fourth quarter, Patel made a 29-yard field goal to increase the lead to 34-7. The final Spartan touchdown was a 5-yard pass from Aidan Chiles to Jack Velling. With a 5-yard touchdown run, Raymond completed the scoring.
With 3:38 left in the first half, Spartan defensive back Jaylen Thompson was carried off the field after it seemed like his head struck the ground while he was tackling Monangai along the sidelines, causing a small delay in play.
The Scarlett Knights dominated every aspect of the game after the Spartans briefly gained the upper hand. The offense converted seven of thirteen third downs, special teams made all four of its field goal tries, while the defense stopped Michigan State from moving the ball.
On defense, the Spartans were again having trouble. They were unable to leave the field because they were unable to apply pressure to the quarterback. Rutgers was able to run 70 plays while Michigan State only managed one sack.
Michigan State awaits word on if any bowl spots for teams ranked 5-7 are still available.
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