The final edition of the 2022 Top Rutgers Games is finally here. The Rutgers Scarlet Knights ended their season with a 4-8 record, but there were some bright sides, and this game was one. The game to be featured as the 2022 Top Rutgers Game was a home game against Indiana. The final score of the game was 24-17 Rutgers. Not only was it the Scarlet Knights’ final win of the season, it meant so much more to this Rutgers football team.
2022 Top Rutgers Game: The Offense
This game was another one where the team had a different quarterback starting. Against Indiana, it was quarterback Noah Vedral who took the lead. Vedral’s strength during this game was that he never threw an interception and that while he was not the most mobile quarterback, the final statics of the game shows that he ended with positive rushing yards. The lack of turnovers is a contribution to why this matchup is a 2022 top Rutgers game.
In the game, Vedral completed 12 out of 24 pass attempts for 113 yards, according to ESPN. He also threw for a touchdown. It may have not been a lot, but it was just enough to get the win. It was wide receiver Sean Ryan who had the reception on the scoring play. Ryan only had three receptions throughout the game, but for a total of 59 yards.
While it is great that there were no turnovers, what truly stood out in this game, was that running back Samuel Brown V was relied on so often, and it paid off. According to ESPN, Brown had 28 carries for 101 yards and one touchdown. He may have not scored often, but he kept the offense on the field. If it were not for Brown’s runs, this may not have been a win, nor a 2022 top Rutgers game. The offense ended the game with 192 total rushing yards.
2022 Top Rutgers Game: The Defense
As usual for the Scarlet Knights this past year, a lot of credit needs to go to the defense. In total, the team had 49 combined tackles, and six tackles for loss, according to ESPN. Surprisingly they only had one sack in the whole game, coming from defensive lineman Wesley Bailey. Bailey’s constant pressure on Indiana’s quarterback, Connor Bazelak, was a big part of this win. If it were not for it, this game may not have been the 2022 top Rutgers game of the season.
In one of the plays where Bailey put pressure on Bazelak, it resulted in the Scarlet Knights’ defense picking him off. The interception came from defensive back Christian Braswell and was even a pick-six. The defense scoring was huge for Rutgers and was a large reason that the team won. The offense only was able to score two touchdowns, and that third one from the defense was needed.
2022 Top Rutgers Game: Why The Top Game
While every win for this team was special, this one was different. This game was played on Rutgers’ own field, and they got the win. This broke a long losing streak against Big Ten opponents at home. The last win was in 2017 against Maryland. This was a weight lifted from a team and something they did not have to carry with them anymore. Breaking this losing streak is the main reason this matchup is a 2022 top Rutgers game.
This matchup was one of the most complete team wins that the Scarlet Knights has this season. Many times was it that the defense bailed the team out, but while the defense played very well, the offense did their part as well. While this was the last win that the Scarlet Knights had, they broke a losing streak that was years in the making. They also found their identity on offense, running the ball with Brown as often as they did.
The Scarlet Knights only won four games this season, but they had many great matchups. There will be hope for a stronger season next year, especially with some weight lifted from their shoulders.
For a complete breakdown of the five 2022 Top Rutgers Games of the season, see below.
2022 Top Rutgers Games: Two
2022 Top Rutgers Games: Three
2022 Top Rutgers Games: Four
2022 Top Rutgers Games: Five
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