Kyle Monangai's 3 TDs lead Rutgers past Akron

Field Level Media|published: Sat 7th September, 15:47 2024

Aug 29, 2024; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights running back Kyle Monangai (5) celebrates after a touchdown during the second half against the Howard Bison at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Kyle Monangai rushed for a career-high 208 yards and three touchdowns to lead Rutgers to a 49-17 victory over Akron on Saturday afternoon in Piscataway, N.J.

Monangai eclipsed his previous career high of 165 yards, set in a 36-7 romp over Temple last season and matched on Aug. 29 in a 44-7 win over FCS foe Howard. Last year's Big Ten Conference rushing champion highlighted his day on Saturday by scoring on touchdown runs of 3, 1 and 2 yards.

Minnesota transfer Athan Kaliakmanis completed 14 of 23 passes for 230 yards and three touchdowns.

Chris Long highlighted his four-catch, 87-yard performance by reeling in a 58-yard scoring strike. Kenny Fletcher had a 9-yard touchdown reception and tight end KJ Duff hauled in his first career TD pass for the Scarlet Knights (2-0).

Antwan Raymond rushed for 77 yards and a touchdown.

Akron's Ben Finley completed 14 of 31 passes for 138 yards and a touchdown. Adrian Norton had a 32-yard touchdown reception early in the third quarter for the Zips (0-2).

Monangai rolled off a 45-yard run to set up Rutgers' first touchdown of the day. He was brought down at the 3-yard line but he would not be denied as he bulled his way into the end zone on the next play.

Akron answered with a 41-yard field goal by Garrison Smith before Rutgers responded with a seven-play, 75-yard scoring drive. Duff kept his concentration and reeled in a pass by Kaliakmanis that deflected off the hands of Zips defensive lineman Bennett Adler for his first career touchdown reception to give the Scarlet Knights a 14-3 lead with 1:54 to play.

The Zips didn't muster much on their ensuing drive and Monangai made them pay, capping a nine-pay, 80-yard sequence by scoring from 1 yard out with 9 seconds left in the second quarter.

Norton's touchdown reception trimmed Rutgers' lead to 21-10 early in the third quarter before the Scarlet Knights responded with another long drive. Monangai capped the 12-play, 75-yard drive by scoring from 2 yards out.

--Field Level Media

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