Rutgers entered its season‑opener with high expectations for a straightforward win.
The university reportedly spent $1.55 million to host UMass, a program that had gone 16 consecutive games without a win.
What began as a anticipated easy victory quickly turned into a humiliating defeat at their own stadium.
Rutgers fell 37‑21 to a UMass squad that entered the game as a 29.5‑point underdog after a winless 0‑12 campaign the previous season.
Head coach Greg Schiano accepted personal responsibility, saying he never imagined such a result.
“I’m in charge of all the coaches. I’m in charge of all the players. So when you come out and lay an egg like we did opening night, I thought we had a great training camp. Never saw it coming. I’ve been doing this a long time,” Schiano said in his postgame press conference. “Never saw it coming. I didn’t expect that at all. Now, again, I don’t say congratulations to Coach [Joe] Harasymiak and UMass lightly.”
Although the teams were level after the first quarter, UMass surged ahead with 17 consecutive points in the second period and never relinquished the lead.
Rutgers quarterback Dylan Lonergan, in his debut season after stints at Alabama and Boston College, struggled, completing 16 of 29 passes while throwing three interceptions and losing a fumble, with only two touchdowns.
Following an injury, Lonergan was replaced on the final drive by AJ Surace, who guided the team on a decisive touchdown drive.
The defense also underperformed, allowing 397 yards and failing to force any turnovers.
Wide receiver KJ Duff was a rare bright spot, securing nine receptions for 196 yards and three touchdowns, highlighted by a 78‑yard catch in the game’s closing moments.
Schiano resumed his role at Rutgers in 2020 after a hiatus following the 2011 season. The program had posted winning campaigns in 2023 and 2024, highlighted by a Pinstripe Bowl victory, before slipping to a 5‑7 record the previous year.
Schiano emphasized that the setback does not signal a crisis for the program.
Having navigated similar challenges in the past, Schiano expressed confidence that the team will recover.
Schiano pledged to work tirelessly to rebuild the team, stating, ‘We will fight our way out and become a strong football program.’ He added that he trusts his staff and players.
Rutgers will look to bounce back next Friday in a road game at Boston College.
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