Piscataway, N.J. — Sophomore running back Antwan Raymond delivered a performance for the Rutgers record books, rushing for a career-high 240 yards and a touchdown as the Scarlet Knights defeated Maryland 35–20 on Saturday at SHI Stadium. The win kept Rutgers’ bowl hopes alive in front of a crowd of 41,032.
Raymond’s 240-yard outburst is the highest single-game rushing total in the Big Ten this season and ranks third nationally, trailing only Cameron Dickey of Texas Tech and Ahmad Hardy of Missouri. His 41 carries tied a program record held by Savon Huggins and Jawan Jamison, and his total marked the third-most rushing yards in Rutgers history, behind only the legendary Ray Rice.
The Quebec native has now surpassed 1,000 yards on the season, marking the first time in program history that Rutgers has produced back-to-back 1,000-yard rushers. Last year, Kyle Monangai ran for 1,279 yards before being drafted by the Chicago Bears.
“I’m not surprised,” Raymond said after the game. “I’ve sacrificed a lot to be here — leaving my family, working every day to get better. So when moments like this happen, I know I’ve earned them.”
Quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis complemented the ground attack with an efficient day through the air, throwing for 229 yards and four touchdowns, three of them to sophomore receiver Ian Strong. Strong’s 14-yard touchdown grab midway through the third quarter extended the Scarlet Knights’ lead to 28–17 and gave them full control of the game.
Raymond set the tone early, opening Rutgers’ first drive with six straight carries for 30 yards, a preview of the relentless running that would define the afternoon. The Scarlet Knights (5–5, 2–5 Big Ten) dominated possession and efficiency, converting 9 of 12 third downs while racking up 256 rushing yards and 229 passing yards — arguably their most balanced offensive showing of the season.
Maryland (4–5, 1–5 Big Ten) started fast when freshman quarterback Malik Washington broke free for a 73-yard touchdown run on the second play of the game. Washington finished with 164 yards on eight carries, but the Terrapins’ offense sputtered in the second half, managing just 83 total yards after halftime.
“We’re a young team,” Maryland coach Michael Locksley said. “There are growing pains that come with inexperience, and we’re in the middle of one of those stretches.” The Terrapins have now lost five straight and four of their last five games by a combined 18 points.
Rutgers coach Greg Schiano praised his team’s effort and Raymond’s endurance. “We always want to run the football,” Schiano said. “But 41 carries? I can’t say I saw that coming. He just kept finding space and setting the tone for our offense.”
Up Next:
Maryland: Travels to Illinois on Nov. 15.
Rutgers: Heads to Columbus to face Ohio State on Nov. 22.
