UMass Defeats Rutgers 37-21 to End 16-Game Losing Streak

The University of Massachusetts Minutemen ended the longest active losing streak in top-tier American college football on Thursday night, defeating the Rutgers Scarlet Knights 37-21 in Piscataway, New Jersey. The victory snapped a 16-game losing streak for UMass in the season opener for both programs.

Entering the game at SHI Stadium as an underdog by more than 29 points, UMass achieved one of the largest statistical upsets in recent collegiate history. According to ESPN Research, the 16-point victory is the largest win by an underdog of 29 points or more in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) since Texas State defeated Houston in 2012.

Dominant Offensive Opening

UMass quarterback Pop Watson III, a transfer from Virginia Tech making his team debut, orchestrated an offense that produced points on seven of its 10 possessions. Operating primarily out of the shotgun, Watson completed 19 passes to eight different receivers for 197 yards and three touchdowns, while adding 40 rushing yards on six carries.

Watson connected with receiver Elijah Faulkner for two touchdown passes and Joseph Griffin Jr. for another, helping UMass build a 24-7 lead by halftime. The margin marked the first time UMass led a power-conference opponent at the half since a 2017 game against Mississippi State. Prior to Thursday, UMass had not defeated an FBS opponent since beating Army in 2023.

Turnovers Hamper Rutgers Debut

Rutgers struggled defensively, extending issues from last season when the team allowed 30 or more points in eight of its 12 games. Rutgers quarterback Dylan Lonergan experienced a difficult debut, throwing for 242 yards and two touchdowns but committing four turnovers on three interceptions and a lost fumble. Wide receiver KJ Duff caught three touchdown passes for Rutgers during the game.

Lonergan was replaced in the fourth quarter by quarterback AJ Surace. Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano later attributed the substitution to an undisclosed injury suffered by Lonergan.

“We got outlicked, outplayed and outcoached,” Schiano said following the loss. “I didn’t have them ready.”

Personal Triumph for Harasymiak

The victory held personal significance for new UMass head coach Joe Harasymiak, who served as Rutgers’ defensive coordinator from 2022 to 2024 under Schiano. Harasymiak was raised in Waldwick, New Jersey, located approximately 40 miles from the Rutgers campus, and had family members present for the game.

“I’m just really proud about our team and what we did,” Harasymiak said after securing UMass’s largest win since joining the FBS in 2012.

Background

In American college football, the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) represents the highest tier of competition. UMass joined the FBS in 2012 but has historically struggled against power-conference opponents like Rutgers, which competes in the Big Ten Conference.