PISCATAWAY, N.J. — Athan Kaliakmanis delivered the best performance of his collegiate career Saturday, throwing for 259 yards and a personal-best four touchdowns to lead Rutgers to a dominant 45–17 victory over Miami (Ohio) at SHI Stadium.
Despite a 55-minute weather delay due to thunderstorms, the Scarlet Knights (2–0) extended their streak of scoring 30 or more points to six straight games, dating back to last season.
Freshman wideout Ian Strong played a breakout role, hauling in nine catches for 116 yards and two scores — both career highs — as Rutgers improved to 15-5-1 all-time against MAC opponents. This marked the first-ever meeting between the two programs.
“He’s right in the middle of his development,” said head coach Greg Schiano of Strong, who was originally recruited as a safety. “He’s not a finished product yet, but receivers like that can change games. Big plays in the air help you avoid a lot of the mess — penalties, fumbles, things that can stall drives.”
Miami’s Lone Bright Spots
Miami (0–2) found some offensive rhythm thanks to veteran quarterback Dequan Finn, a seventh-year transfer who has made stops at Toledo and Baylor. He threw for 251 yards and a touchdown and added 85 rushing yards and a score on the ground. Receiver Keith Reynolds, a transfer from Washington, emerged as a go-to target with seven catches for 120 yards.
Still, head coach Chuck Martin said the performance wasn’t enough.
“Offensively, we were a little better,” Martin said. “But Rutgers just had more experience and more firepower. We’re not beating anyone in college football the way we’re playing right now.”
New-Look Rutgers Air Attack
Rutgers’ passing game looked crisp and dangerous, with Kaliakmanis finding a trio of weapons downfield — Strong, KJ Duff, and D.T. Sheffield — who combined to stretch the RedHawks’ secondary. Strong, in particular, capitalized on single coverage and racked up 27 yards after the catch.
If the Scarlet Knights can ignite their running game to complement the air attack, they may pose a serious threat in the Big Ten.
Key Numbers:
Attendance: 45,981 fans braved the delay to attend the game at SHI Stadium.
Miami rushing totals (non-QBs): Just 53 yards through two games.
Rutgers defense: Bounced back from a quiet Week 1 showing to hold Miami to just 117 rushing yards total.
What’s Next:
Rutgers will host Norfolk State on September 13.
Miami (OH) returns home to face UNLV on September 20.
