The Scarlet Knights’ home opener was nearly perfect. The weather was great and the 41,038 Rutgers’ fans in attendance witnessed the first RU shut out in four years and the first time in six years that a RU football squad started the season 2-0.
Special teams and defense each posted touchdowns in the first quarter on a blocked punt and an interception return. Punter Joe Radigan set a school record with a 78-yard beauty on the fourth play of the game that backed the Illini up on their own four. The punt return team then blocked the Illini’s attempt, recovering in the end zone. Redshirt freshman Devin McCourty returned his first career interception 38 yards for a TD.
Ray Rice rushed for over 100 yards for the fourth consecutive game with a 108-yard day and a TD. Unfortunately, his performance was marred by a fumble at the goal line late in the first half that kept even more points off the board.
Jeremy Ito connected on two field goals from 38 and 39 yards. Ito has now made 12 consecutive field goals.
Both senior FB Brian Leonard and senior TE Clark Harris made catches to extend their consecutive game streaks. Leonard has now caught a pass in 36 consecutive games while Harris’ streak is now at 32 games.
Mike Teel led the Knights offense with calm and precision marred only by an interception in the end zone that also kept points off the board.
The defense continued to stifle the Fighting Illini preventing them from converting on third down situations the entire game. Illinois was 0-for-12 on third down.
Next up is a Homecoming game against Ohio.
Up stream Red Team
Red Team up stream
(Game Story and stats here.)
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