Self-inflicted wounds sink Rutgers in tough home…
PISCATAWAY, N.J. — Rutgers would possibly bear in mind Friday evening’s 38-28 loss to Iowa as the sport in which the Scarlet Knights beat themselves.
With a document crowd of 55,942 at SHI Stadium and a probability to procure arguably their greatest win in the Greg Schiano 2.0 period, the Scarlet Knights did themselves in time and time again, with premature penalties and missed alternatives.
None was more expensive than the defensive holding they took late in the fourth quarter while clinging to a 28-24 lead. Down to third-and-8 on their own 33-yard line, the Rutgers protection seemed as though it had made the most important stop of the evening, forcing Hawkeyes quarterback Mark Gronowski to throw an incomplete move on the run.
Mark Gronowski of the Iowa Hawkeyes dives for the end zone against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the second half at SHI Stadium on September 19, 2025 in Piscataway, New Jersey. Getty Images
Instead of lining up for a punt, Iowa stored the drive alive, and Gronowski led the Hawkeyes down the sphere for what would grow to be the game-winning landing with 5:39 left.
The sport was all but sealed when Jaxon Rexroth picked off a move by Athan Kaliakmanis moments later, which led to Iowa’s fifth landing of the sport.
Rutgers seemed as though it will be on a path to victory after their offense had been giving the Hawkeyes bother, particularly early on.
Kaliakmanis completed the sport with 330 passing yards — marking the second consecutive sport that he’s had at least 300 through the air — and extensive receiver Ian Strong, who was unclear if he’d play on Friday due to an injury, had a profession high 151 receiving yards.
But it was the error that price the Scarlet Knights in the end, as Rutgers was called for six penalties on Friday at the expense of 50 yards. Rutgers kicker Jai Patel also missed two subject targets, which included a 37-yarder in the second quarter that hit the upright after the scarlet Knights acquired pushed back after his first attempt was negated due to a delay of sport penalty.
Deshaun Lee of the Iowa Hawkeyes breaks up a move supposed for KJ Duff #8 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the second half at SHI Stadium on September 19, 2025 in Piscataway, New Jersey. Getty Images
A 29-yard kick attempt by Patel in the third quarter was blocked.
If anybody had been anticipating a low-scoring affair, they have been sorely mistaken, as the Hawkeyes and Scarlet Knights mixed for 42 factors through the first half alone and traded touchdowns through the first half-hour of the sport.
The evening didn’t start nicely for Rutgers as they watched Kaden Wetjen return the opening kickoff 100 yards to give Iowa the early lead and seemingly sucking the air out of SHI Stadium and the sold-out crowd occupying it. But the Scarlet Knights didn’t path for long.
Kaliakmanis orchestrated a six-play, 75-yard drive that included a 40-yard move to DT Sheffield and ended with a 5-yard run by Antwan Raymond for the tying landing.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights tight end Logan Blake (11) third dashing landing of the sport during the fourth quarter against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at SHI Stadium. IMAGN IMAGES via GWN Connect
The Scarlet Knights took their first lead of the evening after a big defensive stop on the Hawkeyes’ second drive of the sport, and Kaliakmanis marched the Rutgers offense down the sphere and ran the ball 4 yards for his first of two landing rushes of the evening.
That’s when the shootout actually started, with Iowa working back Kamari Moulton dashing for a landing to tie the sport at 14, and Kaliakmanis gave Rutgers the lead, 21-14, after making his method over the aim line with the Scarlet Knights breaking out the tush push early in the second quarter.
Gronowski tied the sport back up with eight minutes left in the half on a two-yard rush of his own.
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