PISCATAWAY, N.J. — In a remarkable turnaround, the UMass Minutemen triumphed over the Rutgers Scarlet Knights with a score of 37-21, effectively ending their 16-game losing streak. This victory, achieved on Thursday night, marked the season opener for both teams and was a significant milestone for UMass, which had not won against an FBS opponent since defeating Army in 2023.
Pop Watson III, the Minutemen's quarterback, was instrumental in this victory, throwing for 197 yards and three touchdowns. His performance was highlighted by two touchdown connections with Elijah Faulkner and another with Joseph Griffin Jr. UMass established a commanding 24-7 lead by halftime, a notable achievement as it was their first halftime advantage against a power conference team since they led Mississippi State in 2017.
Adding to the Minutemen's scoring, Curtis Kimmons IV contributed a 17-yard touchdown run, extending UMass's lead to 37-14 late in the fourth quarter. This offensive display was a stark contrast to the struggles the team faced in previous seasons, showcasing their potential under new leadership.
On the other side of the field, Rutgers struggled to find consistency, continuing the defensive issues that plagued them last season when they allowed 30 or more points in eight of their twelve games. KJ Duff, an AP All-America second-team wide receiver, managed to catch three touchdown passes for Rutgers, but the team could not overcome the turnovers that hindered their performance.
Quarterback Dylan Lonergan, making his debut for Rutgers, had a mixed outing. He threw for 242 yards and two touchdowns, but his performance was marred by four interceptions and a lost fumble, raising concerns about the team's offensive stability moving forward.
As UMass celebrates this much-needed victory, they will look to build on this momentum in their next game against Sacred Heart on September 12. Meanwhile, Rutgers will aim to regroup as they prepare to face Boston College on September 11, hoping to correct their mistakes and improve their performance.
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