Rutgers linebacker Tyreem Powell made a key play Saturday that changed the course of the game and possibly the season. Powell caused a fumble with a hard hit that set up a touchdown and helped the Scarlet Knights beat Minnesota 26-19. The fumble was recovered by Shaquan Loyal with 8:28 left in the game, allowing Rutgers to take the lead.
This victory snapped a four-game losing streak for Rutgers (5-4, 2-4 Big Ten) and kept their hopes for a bowl game alive with three regular-season games remaining.
Powell, who made the game-changing hit on Minnesota tight end Jameson Geers at the Minnesota 12-yard line, said the timing of the play felt right. “I knew the momentum was back on our side,” Powell said, confident that the offense would capitalize and score.
Athan Kaliakmanis, a former Minnesota player, threw two first-half touchdown passes to Dymere Miller, one for 1 yard and another for 17 yards. Later, Kaliakmanis connected with Ian Strong for a 4-yard touchdown to give Rutgers a 21-16 lead with 7:41 left in the game.
Before that, Minnesota (6-4, 4-3) had been on track for a fifth straight win. Max Brosmer threw a 17-yard touchdown pass to Marcus Major in the second half, putting the Gophers ahead 16-14. But after that, the Minnesota defense couldn’t hold off the momentum shift caused by the fumble.
Brosmer, who finished 27 of 45 for 262 yards, said it was just part of the game. “One team is going to win and one is going to lose,” he said. “We didn’t play our best so we lost.”
Rutgers’ defense, which had struggled in recent weeks, stepped up after Powell’s big play. On Minnesota’s next possession, defensive lineman Jordan Walker sacked Brosmer for a safety, pushing the lead to 23-16. Jai Patel then added a 22-yard field goal to make it a two-score game with 2:45 left.
Dragan Kesich, who made a 51-yard field goal earlier, kicked a 30-yarder with 1:10 left, making it 26-19. After Minnesota’s failed onside kick attempt, Strong recovered the ball to seal the victory.
Rutgers coach Greg Schiano praised his defense for their tough play, especially after allowing an average of 40 points in their last three losses. “That unit laid down the line for each other,” Schiano said. “That hit by Tyreem Powell was one of those sharp turns that writes the story.”
Kaliakmanis, who played against many former teammates and coaches, completed 17 of 33 passes for 240 yards. “It really touched us these last four weeks,” Kaliakmanis said about the losing streak. “We did it out of love for each other.”
Minnesota’s offense was limited to just 35 yards rushing on 19 carries. Gophers coach P.J. Fleck said his team didn’t do enough to win. “In the Big Ten, you have to bring it every week,” Fleck said. “Sometimes it is just not your day.”
