Kyle Monangai's stellar performance with 208 rushing yards and three touchdowns led Rutgers to a commanding 49-17 victory over Akron. Athan Kaliakmanis also contributed significantly with three touchdown passes, marking a strong start to Rutgers' season with a 2-0 record.
In a remarkable display of skill and endurance, Kyle Monangai, the reigning Big Ten Conference rushing champion, led Rutgers to a decisive 49-17 win against Akron. This victory at Piscataway highlighted Monangai's career-high performance and marked the team's ninth consecutive non-conference win.
Kyle Monangai, with 27 carries, amassed a career-high 208 yards and scored three touchdowns, leading Rutgers to a substantial victory. His performance included significant runs that set up additional scoring opportunities, showcasing his pivotal role in the team's offensive strategy. This game marked his 10th instance of rushing over 100 yards in a game, a testament to his consistent high-level performance.
Transfer quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis threw for three touchdowns, including a career-long 58-yard pass. His synergy with receivers like Chris Long and KJ Duff, who scored his first collegiate touchdown, was evident. On the other side, Akron struggled with quarterback Ben Finley playing through injuries, managing only one touchdown pass and an interception in the game.
With this win, Rutgers prepares for a bye week followed by a challenging game at Virginia Tech, aiming to maintain their strong start to the season. Meanwhile, Akron hopes to recover from their 0-2 start as they face Colgate in their home opener, looking to turn their fortunes around with improved gameplay and strategy.
Rutgers' impressive start to the season is a promising sign for their performance in upcoming games. Key players like Kyle Monangai and Athan Kaliakmanis have already made significant impacts, setting high expectations for the team's trajectory this year.