Rutgers Scarlet Knights running back Kyle Monangai - Andrew Mills/NJ Advance Media
Week two of the college football season resulted in another Rutgers football win, especially thanks to the way running back Kyle Monangai played. The Rutgers Scarlet Knight defeated the Akron Zips, 49-17, moving on to a 2-0 record. While it takes everyone on the team to win a game, Monangai deserves a shout-out for his play. Here is a look at Monangai’s game against the Akron Zips in week two of the college football season.
Kyle Monangai Vs. Akron
Monangai was the guy to watch against Akron. He has already been a consistent star on the Rutgers offense for the past couple of years, but his showing against Akron truly impressed. Between getting just the needed yards and some big explosive plays, Monangai helped push his team to a win.
The passing game was not consistent against Akron, emphasizing the need for a good run game. Monangai continuously found the hole, keeping offense on the field. This also helped keep the Scarlet Knights defense rested. Quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis only threw one interception, on the first drive of the game, but the passing game has to improve with too many incompletions. Consistency is key to more wins, and that is just what Monangai showed. This was a strong game for the running back, as he helped the team move down the field.
Monangai was the main running back in the game, with no Samuel Brown V this week. Antwan Raymond did get some valuable play though, and credit does go to him. Raymond ended up rushing the ball for 77 yards and one touchdown, according to ESPN. This says a lot about the Scarlet Knights run game.
In this weeks matchup, Monangai rushed the ball 27 times for 208 yards and three touchdowns, according to ESPN. His longest run of the game came in the second quarter. Monangai rushed the ball for 62-yards. It was unforinately not a touchdown, which would have been the cherry ontop, but he did bring it down to the six yard line on Akron’s side of the field. Monangai also had one reception but just for three yards.
This was a big game for Monangai who is in his fifth year with the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. Not only is he pushing his team to wins, he is giving NFL scouts something to watch.
The Season for Kyle Monangai so far
It is only week two of the 2024 college football season. There is a lot of football still left to play. Monangai played well in week one, but this week was definitely an improvement. Last week he had 165 rushing yards. Now this week he rushed for 208 yards. Perhaps in their next matchup the running back can reach 300 yards. Monangai now has 373 rushing yards and four touchdowns, according to ESPN. This is a great start, and now he just has to keep this momentum going.
Looking Ahead for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Next week, Rutgers will have a bye week. Following that, they will have their first away game of the season against the Virginia Tech Hokies. This bye week that is coming up can give Monangai some rest, refreshing any bumps and bruises he likely sustained the past two weeks. This can also help bring back other players to give him a break. Monangai had the momentum going for him, but getting subbed out in rotations will help him, and hopefully not slow down the team. Virginia Tech will be the Scarlet Knights toughest opponent as of yet. This is a game where Rutgers will have something to prove. Watch for Monangai to be a leader and fight to help his team win. For now, he gets some rest.
