PISCATAWAY, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 3: The Massachusetts Minutemen opened their season with a commanding 37-21 victory over the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at SHI Stadium. The game, held on September 3, 2026, marked a disappointing start for Rutgers, who had high hopes for the new season. Unfortunately for Scarlet Knight fans, those aspirations quickly faded as UMass dominated the field.
The game began with a promising drive from Rutgers, who marched 75 yards in 12 plays to score a touchdown, taking an early 7-0 lead. However, this would be the only highlight for the Knights, as UMass responded with six unanswered scores, including three touchdowns and three field goals, building a substantial 23-point lead before Rutgers managed to find the end zone again.
Defensively, Rutgers struggled significantly, particularly against the UMass ground game. The Minutemen amassed 200 rushing yards, with quarterback William Watson, in his first major appearance in two years after transferring from Virginia Tech, throwing for 197 yards and three touchdowns. Running backs Curtis Kimmons IV and Elijah Faulkner were instrumental in the Minutemen's success, with Kimmons rushing for 78 yards and a touchdown, while Faulkner contributed 62 rushing yards and caught two touchdown passes.
On the offensive side, Rutgers was expected to showcase a potent attack, but they failed to establish any rhythm. Starting quarterback Dylan Lonergan, a transfer from Boston College, completed 16 of 29 passes for 242 yards and two touchdowns, but his performance was marred by three interceptions. Running back Antwan Raymond struggled to find space, averaging only three yards per carry, totaling 42 yards on 14 attempts. The offensive line faced significant challenges, allowing five sacks and seven tackles for loss, which hampered any chance of sustained offensive production.
Despite the overall struggles, there were a couple of bright spots for Rutgers. Backup quarterback AJ Surace showed promise during his time on the field, completing six of nine passes for 77 yards and a touchdown. Wide receiver KJ Duff also had an impressive outing, catching nine passes for 196 yards and three touchdowns, showcasing his potential as a key offensive weapon.
The outcome of this game represents a concerning start for Rutgers, who will need to regroup quickly to avoid a repeat of last season's struggles. Their next challenge comes against Boston College on Friday, September 11, at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN2, where they will look to turn their fortunes around and find a way to compete effectively in the upcoming games.
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