PISCATAWAY, N.J. - Rutgers dropped its last game of the season today in a 40-7 loss to Michigan State. In the midst of that finale, did you notice...
Kemoko’s dual role?
Rutgers defensive end Kemoko Turay dropped back into coverage on a Michigan State 3rd and goal on the Spartans’ second drive of the game. He held his ground and helped Rutgers force an incompletion which led to a field goal. That is part of the reason why his sack total has remained low this season. In addition to injuries, Turay often finds himself in pass coverage on passing downs. On the next 3rd down play on the following possession, Turay rushed the quarterback and pushed through two blockers to hit Michigan State quarterback Brian Lewerke just as he threw the ball. Turay ended the first half with a sack and eight tackles.
The Washington drop?
Rutgers once again proved to get in its own way on offense in the first quarter when tight end Jerome Washington dropped a pass over the middle that would have been good for a first down. Washington was sure-handed to begin the season, but has had a recent string of drops. It is one more example of the small margin for error on the Rutgers offense. That play was also the last of the day for quarterback Gio Rescigno.
The first first-downs?
Rutgers earned its first two first downs of the game on Johnathan Lewis passes. Neither was complete, although there were penalties on both pass attempts. The first was a pass interference call on a throw intended for Myles Nash and the second was a roughing the passer infraction. The third first down was actually credited to Lewis on a 42-yard touchdown pass to Raheem Blackshear.
Freshman LB reps reps?
Tyshon Fogg rotated in at weakside linebacker for Trevor Morris in the second quarter and Brendan DeVera stepped in for Deonte Roberts at the middle linebacker position. This looks to have been done by design as Morris and Roberts had seven and eight tackles respectively in the first quarter alone. Both Fogg and DeVera returned to play more snaps in the second half.
Jackson back at center?
Redshirt sophomore Jonah Jackson returned to the starting center spot after missing five games and playing in a reserve role last weekend against Indiana. Jackson stepped in for redshirt freshman Mike Maietti, who did not play after starting the past eight games at center.
Lack of pressure?
If you were at the game, you had to deal with the frustration of leaving the stadium to use a porta potty because of a lack of water pressure. The facilities crew took a loss on the game for that one while online quips quickly mounted.
Harris' final game?
There is a chance that today marked the final game of Jawuan Harris' football career as there is a real chance he could wind up getting selected in next year's MLB Draft. Harris played on special teams, offense and defense. He finished with one tackle and a kickoff return for 18 yards.
Gray over Hester?
While both K.J. Gray and Kiy Hester played a fair amount of snaps at safety, Gray was getting more run, playing on all downs. Hester was coming in on a more situational basis to provide an extra d-back on passing downs.
Time of possession?
Michigan State dominated the time of possession as the Rutgers offense only had the football for 12 minutes and 10 seconds. As a result, Deonte Roberts finished with 17 tackles and Trevor Morris added 16 while Michigan State's leading tackler had just three.
