PISCATAWAY, N.J. - Rutgers won its second straight Big Ten contest with a 14-12 victory over Purdue today inside High Point Solutions Stadium. In the midst of that win, did you notice...
Davis in coverage?
Senior defensive end Darnell Davis checked in for the first time on Purdue’s fifth play of the game, which was on a 3rd and long. Davis dropped back into coverage and stayed with Purdue tight end Cole Herdman, who caught a pass but Davis quickly wrapped him up short of the first-down marker to force a punt.
Edwards’ long run?
Gus Edwards’ first-quarter 74-yard touchdown run was Rutgers’ longest ever in a Big Ten game. Edwards surpassed the previous long of 72 yards that came courtesy of Paul James during a 2015 contest against Michigan State.
Jabbie’s first start?
Redshirt freshman Mo Jabbie earned his first collegiate start and throughout the first quarter, he was on the field for every offensive play. The only other skill position player who was also out there for all 14 offensive snaps in the first quarter was Janarion Grant.
Missing players in the secondary?
On a 3rd and long to close out the first quarter, Purdue completed a 17-yard pass for a first down between KJ Gray and Zane Campbell. On the next play, Jay Harris missed a tackle downfield that led to a 41-yard run. However, all three of those players were in those situations because of injuries as the loss of Blessuan Austin and Saquan Hampton continue to be felt. Kiy Hester was also very limited, as the secondary played without three of its four starters through most of the game.
Lewis on the sidelines?
Freshman quarterback Johnathan Lewis did not play today as an ankle injury kept him sidelined. Lewis was very limited early this week in practice and Zach Allen was actually taking third-team reps at quarterback. The reason Lewis suited up was just for emergency reasons as he would have only played if injuries knocked out Gio Rescigno and Kyle Bolin.
Taylor getting downfield?
Freshman long snapper Billy Taylor continues to show off his speed as he was the first player downfield on a second-quarter 52-yard punt by Ryan Anderson. The punt bounced inside the five-yard line and Taylor had the best chance of downing it as he was just a few yards away when the punt came down and bounced into the endzone.
Defense staying on for punt?
With three minutes left in the first half and Purdue facing a 4th and 3 from its own 46-yard line, Rutgers kept its defense on the field after the Boilermakers faked a punt on that same series. Even after the officials stopped play for a brief stint, Rutgers left its defensive unit on the field, subbing only Janarion Grant for KJ Gray. Grant did not return the punt as he let it bounce into the endzone for a touchback.
Bailey on special teams?
Sophomore Dacoven Bailey was noticeably absent on offense as he did not play at wide receiver other than the two snaps in the victory formation at the end of the game. However, he made his presence felt on special teams with three solo tackles on punt returns.
Anderson helping out?
Throughout the first and into the second half, punter Ryan Anderson gave Rutgers an advantage in the field position game as he continually boomed punt after punt and positioned them very well. Anderson’s first seven punts averaged 46.4 yards. Meanwhile, Purdue returned four of those seven punts for a total of minus 2 yards.
Allen on kick return?
Rutgers reserve quarterback Zach Allen took the field for Purdue's onsides kick with 25 seconds to play. The kickoff wound up going out of bounds on the opposite side of the field from Allen.
