There aren't that many plays that suddenly change a football game or season.
Rutgers linebacker Tyrem Powell hit a double of the day with a textbook tackle on Saturday, causing a game-changing late fumble and leading the Scarlet Knights to a 26-19 victory over red-hot Minnesota in Piscataway, New Jersey. Helped turn the season around
A fumble recovered by Shaquan Royal with 8 minutes, 28 seconds left set up Ahsan Kaliakmanis' go-ahead 4-yard touchdown pass to Ian Strong for the Scarlet Knights (5-4, 2-4 Big Ten). ) contributed to their four-game losing streak. With three games left in the regular season, win in a row and get back in the bowl picture.
“I felt like I needed it at that time,” Powell said of his helmet-on-ball hit against Gophers tight end Jameson Gears at the Minnesota 12-yard line. “We knew the momentum was coming back to us and we knew the offense was going to get into the end zone. That was what we needed as a whole team. It just seemed like the perfect moment for it.”
Kaliakmanis, a transfer from Minnesota, hit Daimare Miller with touchdown passes of 1 and 17 yards in the first half, then hit a wide-open strong for a TD for a 21-16 lead with 7 minutes, 41 seconds left.
Up until that point, Minnesota (6-4, 4-3) appeared headed for a five-game winning streak.
Max Brosmer started the second half with a 17-yard touchdown pass to Marcus Major, giving the Gophers a 16-14 lead.
The Gophers defense then won a shutout until a turnover changed the game.
Brosmer, who finished 27 of 45 in 262 games, said it's just like football where momentum changes quickly and you lose instead of winning.
“One team is going to win and the other team is going to lose,” he said. “It didn't matter which team played better that day, they would have won. We didn't play to our best and we lost.”
The Scarlet Knights' much-criticized defense didn't hold up even after Powell's big play.
On the ensuing series, defensive lineman Jordan Walker sacked Bromer with a safety to extend the lead to 23-16, and Jay Patel added a 22-yard field goal for two scores at 2:45. .
Dragan Kasic, who kicked a 51-yard field goal in the first half, added a 30-yarder with 1:10 left, and Minnesota called a timeout. Strong recovered the ensuing onside kick and stopped the match.
Rutgers coach Greg Schiano was really proud of his solid defense, which allowed an average of 40 points in the last three losses.
“I think that unit set us apart from each other,” he said. “We literally spread our bodies all over the field for each other. That's how you create a play. I stand here often and talk to you guys, and I think the game of football takes on a life of its own, and it really does. They do that. That hit by Tyrem Powell was one of those sharp turns.
Kaliakmanis, who shook hands with many former teammates and coaches after the game, completed 17 of 33 passes for 240 yards.
“As a team, the last four weeks have been really emotional, but we stayed united,” Kaliakumanis said of the losing streak. “We did it out of love for each other, not for anyone else.”
The Gophers were limited to 35 yards on 19 carries, including Darius Taylor's 18-yard touchdown run for the first score.
“We didn't do enough to win the football game,” University of Minnesota coach P.J. Fleck said. “When you're in the Big Ten, you have to bring it every week. You never know. Sometimes it's just not your day.”
Rutgers won despite having defending conference rushing champion Kyle Monangai sidelined with an undisclosed injury, falling 69 yards from reaching 1,000 yards for the second straight season.
big picture
Minnesota: The Gophers have a week left between a home game against Penn State and last week's win over No. 24 Illinois, but it hasn't been as good as previous games.
Rutgers: The Scarlet Knights next face Maryland and need to win one of their final three games to qualify for a bowl.
