Rutgers rolls Northwestern 24-7, as Wildcats play 1st game since hazing scandal shook the program

In a recent football match, Rutgers emerged victorious against Northwestern with a final score of 24-7. This encounter marked Northwestern’s return to the field after a period of turmoil due to a hazing scandal that prompted changes in coaching, investigations, and legal actions.

Gavin Wimsatt, the quarterback for Rutgers, exhibited exceptional performance by not only delivering a touchdown pass but also showcasing his agility in running, resulting in another touchdown. The Scarlet Knights adeptly controlled the time of possession, maintaining ball control for nearly 38 minutes throughout the game.

This match held significance for Northwestern as it marked the first game under interim coach David Braun, who took over from the long-serving coach Pat Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald faced suspension and eventual termination following allegations of hazing that arose during the summer and extended to various programs within the university. The loss to Rutgers was Northwestern’s twelfth consecutive defeat, extending back to the previous season.

The contest exhibited a brief moment of success for Northwestern when backup quarterback Brendan Sullivan connected with Caleb Komolafe for a 1-yard touchdown pass with approximately 20 seconds left on the clock. However, the overall performance of Cincinnati transfer Ben Bryant was somewhat challenged, with a completion rate of 20-of-35 for 169 yards, two interceptions, and being sacked five times. Notably, the Rutgers defense displayed strength by limiting Northwestern to a mere 201 yards.

Rutgers displayed dominance early in the game by scoring on its first two drives. Wimsatt connected with Ian Strong for an 11-yard touchdown pass to conclude the first drive, and he further contributed with a 6-yard rushing touchdown in the subsequent drive. Despite initial contention regarding the first touchdown pass, a review confirmed Strong’s successful catch in the end zone. The Scarlet Knights continued their momentum with a 32-yard field goal by Jai Patel on the third drive, a decision backed by Braun’s strategic call for a fake punt. The third quarter saw Kyle Monangai contributing a 15-yard rushing touchdown.

As the match unfolded, Northwestern fans expressed disappointment with their team’s performance, particularly during the first half. Among them, 18-year-old Ellis Zuckerman, who is set to begin his studies at Northwestern, voiced concern about the hazing scandal that had unfolded over the past months. However, he clarified that the scandal did not impact his decision to attend the university, emphasizing that his focus was not centered around football.

Amid these sentiments, Jared Breslaw, a 35-year-old who grew up attending Northwestern games, traveled from Miami to witness the match. Breslaw conveyed a sense of expectation for a more competitive display, highlighting the hope for the team to rally. He referred to Northwestern as “Cardiac Cats,” alluding to their tendency to perform well in the second half of matches.

In terms of takeaways from the game:

• Northwestern’s quarterback, Bryant, showcased potential with occasional flashes of brilliance, while the receiving team demonstrated reliability in their catches. However, the offensive line struggled, particularly in the running game. Despite spending considerable time on the field, the defense displayed promise.

• Rutgers’ coach, Greg Schiano, expressed satisfaction with the team’s defensive performance across all three levels, aligning with his preseason expectations. A noteworthy surprise was the composure and confidence displayed by Wimsatt. Although a few throws were slightly questionable, most of Wimsatt’s passes were precise. Minor room for improvement was noted in his handoff execution at times.

Looking ahead, Northwestern is slated to host UTEP in their upcoming home opener, while Rutgers is set to welcome Temple in a night matchup.

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• Rutgers Official Athletics Website
• Northwestern University Athletics
• AP College Football News
• AP Top 25 College Football Poll