⚡ CFB Dashboard

PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Three unanswered touchdowns staked Rutgers football to an impressive 21-0 lead, part of a first half in which the Big Ten program dominated Howard. Rutgers scored on all seven of its opening drives for a 41-7 halftime lead. Here are some halftime thoughts from Friday's game against Howard. -The starting offensive line consisted of Chris Vigna (left tackle), Tyler Needham (left guard), Terrence Salami (center), Kobe Asamoah (right guard) and Mo Giwa (right tackle). On the third series, Everett Small rotated in at left tackle before moving to right tackle on the fourth series. Vigna looked very comfortable at left tackle, using his length well. -With his first carry of the game, a 51-yard burst, Antwan Raymond became the 17th player in program history to reach 2,000 rushing yards. It was the biggest play in a five-play, 75-yard drive in which Rutgers needed just 2:38 to take a 7-0 lead. On his rushing touchdown in the first quarter, Raymond showed impressive balance and patience, making two cutbacks before leaping into the end zone. The 18-yard touchdown run was the 23rd of his career. Raymond reached 100 rushing yards early in the second quarter. He then scored his third touchdown with 5:37 left in the first half, following a great pull by Needham. The 13-yard touchdown run put Rutgers ahead 38-7. -Abram Wright had a good first half. He showed excellent pursuit in tracking down Travis Kerney for a 1-yard loss with 8:53 remaining in the second quarter. A healthy Wright adds speed to the linebacker unit. He had two first-half tackles. Fellow linebacker Moses Wright led Rutgers with five total tackles. -Two plays after Wright's tackle for a loss, cornerback Devonte Anderson delivered a big hit to force a pass breakup. Anderson has made an immediate impression since arriving this spring. He doesn't play like a true freshman. -Dylan Lonergan got the start Friday night, going 3-for-3 on the opening drive. His 13-yard connection with Ben Black on a post route was a well-placed, well-timed throw. Lonergan hit Black in stride. Then, on Rutgers' second touchdown drive of the game, Lonergan connected with KJ Duff for a 77-yard gain and again did a good job placing the ball in stride. After two rough starts to the season, the first two drives were certainly confidence-boosting for Lonergan. -Bradlee Jones recorded his first career interception on Howard's opening drive. The Rutgers defensive back did a good job reading Ja'Shawn Scroggins' eyes and reacting to an underthrown ball. On his second interception early in the second quarter, Jones broke on the ball well and made a diving grab. -Dane Pizzaro's 29-yard field goal with 9:00 remaining in the second quarter was the first made field goal of his collegiate career. This offseason, Pizzaro won the kicking competition over incumbent Jai Patel, a multiyear starter. He made both field-goal attempts in the first half, including a 41-yarder with 26 seconds remaining before halftime.