New Brunswick, NJ—Rutgers made a statement on Saturday, dominating Akron 49-17 in front of 41,021 fans at SHI Stadium. Running back Kyle Monangai had a career-defining game, running through the Zips’ defense for an astounding 208 yards on 24 carries and three touchdowns. His performance powered the Scarlet Knights to their decisive victory. It was his 10th game of at least 100 yards rushing and Rutgers’ biggest since Josh Hicks rushed for 202 yards in 2014.
The Scarlet Knights got off to a slow start offensively, with quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis struggling in the opening quarter. However, he found his rhythm in the second quarter, connecting with wide receiver Chris Long for a 58-yard pass down the Akron sideline. That play seemed to settle Kaliakmanis, who went on to complete 14 of 23 passes for 230 yards and three touchdowns.
Long and Dymere Miller were Kaliakmanis’ primary targets, with Long hauling in 87 yards on four receptions, while Miller added 77 yards on four catches. The duo kept Akron’s secondary on its heels throughout the game.
Defensively, Desmond Igbinosun led the charge for Rutgers. He was a tackling machine, recording six tackles, including one tackle for loss (TFL), helping stifle Akron’s offensive momentum.
Two pivotal drives set the tone for Rutgers. The first, a six-play, 76-yard drive, was capped off by a Monangai touchdown from the three-yard line after consuming just 2:46 off the clock. The fifth drive proved equally significant, spanning seven plays and 75 yards over 4:12, ending with Kaliakmanis finding tight end KJ Duff for a six-yard touchdown reception.
“Everything about his game makes it difficult,” Kaliakmanis said of Monangai. It’s not only, you know, the way he moves, but his intelligence, the way he sees the field. It’s awesome. It really is.”
After the Scarlet Knights’ second touchdown, the offense settled into a groove, leaning heavily on Monangai’s ground attack. Meanwhile, the defense kept Akron’s quarterbacks, Ben Finley and Taj Bullock, under constant pressure, rendering them ineffective throughout the game.
With this victory, Rutgers continues to build momentum, fueled by Monangai’s dominance on the ground and an increasingly confident passing attack.
UP NEXT:
Rutgers has an bye week before traveling to Virginia Tech (Sept. 21) for the first time since 2002.
Akron: Play home opener against Colgate Saturday.
