Rutgers defeats New Mexico, enters Big Ten play against Iowa on Saturday

Rutgers wrapped up its non-conference schedule last Saturday with a 37–28 home victory over New Mexico. In what should have been a relatively easy win, the Scarlet Knights (2–1) made life difficult for itself.

The Lobos (1–2) blew the Knights away in the first quarter by scoring 21 unanswered points. All three touchdowns by New Mexico came via the big play, including a 36-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Austin Apodaca to wide receiver Patrick Reed and a 52-yard run by Lamar Jordan.

Rutgers did not remain out of the count for long.

Quarterback Chris Laviano hit wide receiver Jawuan Harris in stride for a 75-yard touchdown strike with 10 seconds remaining in the first quarter.

From that point on, it was all Rutgers. The Knights outscored the Lobos 30–7 the next three quarters.

Running back Robert Martin carried the ball 21 times for 169-yards and a score for the Knights.

Kicker David Bonagura was perfect on the day, hitting all three field goals he attempted including a 41-yard kick to give Rutgers a 31–21 lead with 7:11 in the third quarter.

Although Rutgers came away with a win, it was an ugly one. Even more alarming was the team’s play in the first quarter.

On offense, the Knights could not muster a first down. The team’s first three possessions resulted in three and outs. The offensive line had difficulty protecting Laviano throughout the game.

The defense was even worse, specifically upfront.

Rutgers’ experienced defensive line was supposed to be one of the better units in the Big Ten this season.

But, the Knights were man handled by New Mexico’s offensive line in the first quarter.

The Lobos had a 10 play, 45-yard drive, a 7 play, 62-yard drive, and a 2 play, 59-yard drive in the first quarter. The team had five total possessions in the first fifteen minutes and three of them resulted in touchdowns.

The Rutgers’ defense did turn its play around in the remainder of the game and was able to shut down New Mexico’s triple option offense.

Defensive linemen Julian Pinnix-Odrik and Darius Hamilton picked up 12 and 10 total tackles respectively.

The team’s lackluster first quarter play could be the result of poor effort but, more likely, it is simply a lack of talent.

First year Rutgers head coach Chris Ash will lead his team into conference play for the first time on Saturday at High Point Solutions Stadium against Iowa (2–1).

Rutgers will play at home with a 12 noon kickoff for the third consecutive week.

The Hawkeyes fell to FCS opponent North Dakota State last weekend at home by a score of 23–21.

Rutgers faces a tall task against Iowa, especially on offense. The Hawkeyes have a very good defense and considering how the offensive line has played for Rutgers, it will be difficult for them to score points.

Defensively, if the Knights perform similarly on Saturday to the way the unit played in the final three quarters against New Mexico, Iowa may be in for a surprise.

Regardless of the result, Saturday is when the world will find out how good, or how bad Rutgers really is.