Blocked punt, potent Kyle Monangai power Rutgers to Pinstripe Bowl win over Miami
Of course it was a blocked punt. Something with special teams. Rutgers almost swatted Miamis first punt of the Pinstripe Bowl, and it had scored off a play like that 13 other times under Greg Schiano. Theyd blocked 69 other kicks across his two tenures with the university, too.
So it was only fitting in the most Scarlet Knights-esque, Schiano-led, beat-you-with-special-teams kind of script that late in the third quarter, with Hurricanes punter Dylan Joyce standing just outside his own end zone, Trevor Yeboah-Kodie sprinted into the punt, Timmy Ward fell on it, and there was Schiano, arms outstretched on the sideline, waiting to embrace his unit after their touchdown flipped the game in an eventual 31-24 victory on Thursday at Yankee Stadium.
Those players, Schiano said, reflect the type of program he has constructed. Yeboah-Kodie played lacrosse at Brown and got on Schianos radar when his father, who Schiano coached years ago at Penn State, reached out. Ward beat cancer in high school, started as a Rutgers equipment manager and eventually earned a walk-on spot.
4Defensive lineman Cam’Ron Stewart (11) celebrates after he intercepts a ball during of Rutgers’ 31-24 win over Miami in the Pinstripe Bowl. Robert Sabo for NY PostAnd Thursday, they combined to help the Scarlet Knights (7-6) recover after blowing an early 14-0 lead as the offense and potent running attack behind Kyle Monangai stalled, surviving a late Miami rally for their first bowl victory since 2014 as the developing program took another stride.
I said when we became bowl eligible, its literally a mile marker on the road to where were going, Schiano said. Its not the exit. This is exciting. This is the start.
But there wasnt anything simple about this Pinstripe Bowl, just as there wasnt anything simple anything linear, predictable or consistent about Rutgers regular season, which ended with four consecutive losses after a 6-2 start.
A 14-0 lead nearly evaporated before halftime Thursday. Jacurri Brown, Miamis third-string quarterback, threw for a touchdown and rushed for two others, with his second making it a one-score game with 27 seconds remaining.
4Kyle Monangai runs the ball during the first half of Rutgers’ victory. Robert Sabo for NY PostThe Hurricanes recovered the onside kick, but their final chance ended with a turnover on downs as Rutgers lead, stabilized by Monangais seventh 100-yard game this season, remained intact.
When Monangai revealed his decision to return for 2024, Rutgers offense for next year, and this bowl game, immediately took shape.
It didnt need to change, and why would it with the Big Tens rushing leader delaying an NFL chance for one more collegiate campaign?
He accounted for 48 rushing yards as the Scarlet Knights scored a touchdown on the games opening drive.
4Rutgers Scarlet Knights head coach Greg Schiano reacts on the sideline. Robert Sabo for NY PostAnd on the Scarlet Knights first offensive possession following the blocked punt, Monangais 40-yard run preceded quarterback Gavin Wimsatts sneak into the end zone.
Their offense, as it had all season, operated through the junior from Don Bosco Prep, who finished with 163 yards on 25 carries behind what Schiano labeled insane runs.
I think I played a great game, Monangai said, but I think the guys in front played an even better game.
4Quarterback Gavin Wimsatt runs the ball during the first half of Rutgers’ Pinstripe Bowl win over Miami. Robert Sabo for NY PostBut one win, in this bowl game and against a Hurricanes team navigating opt-outs and quarterback woes, wont ensure Big Ten relevance, especially as the conference adds UCLA, USC, Washington and Oregon. The Scarlet Knights will play three of those teams next year. Theres not a clear-cut formula to follow to crawl closer to the top of the standings.
Itll take gradual steps. One promising win after another. Recruiting coups. Sticking to strengths such as running the ball and special teams that have become a crucial part of their identity. Theyll need to replicate the complicated process year after year, too.
For 60 minutes Thursday, though, enough of those elements collided to provide Rutgers a glimmer of hope.
Were not there yet, Schiano said, but its a big mile-marker.
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