Photos: Sean Ward
After struggling to find running room in a tough season opening win against Northwestern, Kyle Monangai has erupted. The 210 pound, Roseland, NJ native rushed for 165 yards and 1 touchdown against Temple and followed that effort a week later with a 143 yard, 3 touchdown performance securing a win against Virginia Tech.
Things were tense late in the game on Saturday in Piscataway. The Hokies scored the first 13 points of the 2nd half to cut Rutgers’ lead to 5 and energize the large contingent of Va Tech fans that made the trip. With Rutgers offense in need of a 4th quarter lift it was Monangai delivering again with a clutch 55 yard TD run to put Rutgers ahead by two scores and reenergize SHI stadium. Rutgers rolled from there to a 35-16 win.
Monangai has rushed for 357 yards with 5 TD’s leading Rutgers to a 3-0 record staying on pace for a potential bowl bid in head coach Greg Schiano’s 4th season back on the banks.
The road will get even more challenging with Rutgers heading to Ann Arbor this Saturday to take on #2 Michigan. While it is a steep mountain Rutgers has to climb the mighty Wolverines know they have to prepare for #5.
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