This is the second week of my top 2022 Rutgers games of the season. Last week, the Rutgers vs Ohio State game was highlighted. This week will be a game that was actually a win for the Scarlet Knights. This week’s game was Rutgers’ third game of the season against Temple University. There are many reasons why this matchup is a top 2022 Rutgers game this season, starting with them winning the matchup 16-14.
Top 2022 Rutgers Game: Offense
This game was not the highest-scoring competition of the season. Rutgers only put up 16 points but had to go through two quarterbacks to do it. Quarterback Gavin Wimsatt only had two pass attempts, and was ruled out of the game with an injury. This left the game up to quarterback Evan Simon.
Simon completed only nine out of 15 passes for 52 yards, according to ESPN. This really was not a lot, also considering neither quarterback threw for any touchdowns. The rushing game also was not great only rushing for 142 total yards.
One player who stood out the most, was tight end, Johnny Langan. Langan rushed nine times for 79 yards as well as had one reception for three yards according to ESPN. It may have not been the best game for the Scarlet Knights’ offense, but they managed to at least get into field goal range for Jude McAtamney, who made three out of four of his kicks. Despite not scoring any touchdowns, this was still a top 2022 Rutgers game.
Top 2022 Rutgers Game: Defense
With an offense only putting up 16 points, the defense had to step up, and they did. The defense only allowed two touchdowns and kept Temple out of field goal range. The Scarlet Knights had a total of 62 combined tackles, four tackles for loss, and seven pass deflections, according to ESPN. While there were no sacks, the team still played fairly well.
What truly helped Rutgers, and a reason this is a top 2022 Rutgers game, is that the defense was the only side of the field to score a touchdown. Sophomore defensive back Shaquan Loyal intercepted the ball for 43 yards and a touchdown. This occurred in the second quarter of the game, giving the Scarlet Knights the lead. This was one of the first indications that the defense would be a strong aspect of the team.
Top 2022 Rutgers Game: Why Top 5
While the offense played poorly, this game went differently than many expected. There are many reasons that this matchup can be considered a top 2022 Rutgers game. This pushed Rutgers to a 3-0 record, and it was debatable if they would even start 1-0. With quarterback Noah Vedral already injured, and Wimsatt going down, it was left to Simon to carry the team.
Simon may have not done the best job, but he did what he had to do. Simon avoided throwing any interceptions, and more importantly, stayed healthy throughout the game. The Scarlet Knights had a tough year at the quarterback position, but they managed to get through, unfortunately only winning four games.
The defense has been praised for much of this season. They managed to force turnovers, and even score. If it were not for the defense, this game most likely would not have been listed in fourth place for the top 2022 Rutgers games this season.
This matchup brought hope for the Scarlet Knights. While they may have only won one more game following this matchup, there were still signs of hope that they would at least keep their following games close, or even win. While it was a close win, this game stands fourth among the top 2022 Rutgers games.
For More NFL and NCAA Content:
Be sure to check out last week’s installment of the Top 5 Rutgers Football games of the 2022 season, and what the offseason priorities for the Penn State Nittany Lions will be.
Be sure to check out last week’s, Underestimated Player Spotlight to see who I chose. Also, check out this article on the 49ers’ win vs the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and how far the 49ers can go with Brock Purdy. Also, check out my most recent article on which players to watch for the 49ers against the Seattle Seahawks.
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