Rutgers Scarlet Knights showcased a powerful performance in their season opener, defeating Howard Bison 44-7. Key players like Kyle Monangai and Eric Rogers played pivotal roles, while Howard's Eden James and Ja'Shawn Scroggins showed resilience despite the loss.
In a striking display of strength and strategy, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights overwhelmed Howard Bison with a 44-7 victory in their first game of the 2024 season. The game highlighted the significant disparity between the Big Ten and MEAC conferences, with Rutgers' running game proving too powerful for Howard's defense.
Rutgers’ offensive strategy was clear from the start, focusing heavily on their ground game, which amassed a total of 329 rushing yards. Kyle Monangai, the standout running back, rushed for 165 yards and scored a touchdown, tying his career high. His performance, along with contributions from Samuel Brown V and others, underscored Rutgers' dominant running strategy that Howard struggled to contain throughout the game.
Despite the challenging matchup, Howard showed moments of potential. Eden James, the son of NFL Hall of Famer Edgerrin James, was a highlight for Howard, scoring their only touchdown. However, Howard's quarterback Ja'Shawn Scroggins, in his first start, struggled with a costly interception early in the game that was returned for a touchdown by Rutgers' Eric Rogers, setting a tough tone for Howard early on.
Following their victory, Rutgers is set to continue their season with high morale as they prepare to host Akron. On the other hand, Howard aims to regroup and capitalize on the lessons learned as they face Mercyhurst in their upcoming home opener. Both teams have significant opportunities to build on their performances, with Rutgers aiming to maintain their momentum and Howard looking to strengthen their play.
The game between Rutgers and Howard not only kicked off their 2024 football season but also set the stage for their upcoming challenges. While Rutgers will look to build on their dominant performance, Howard will need to address their weaknesses and prepare for a rebound in their next game. Both teams have the potential for growth and will be interesting to watch as the season progresses.
"Despite the loss, Howard showed flashes of resilience, highlighted by their final offensive play — a determined 11-yard touchdown run by Antwan Raymond." - HBCU Game Day