Overview
- UMass beat Rutgers 37-21 on Thursday night in Piscataway to snap a 16-game FBS losing streak and record the program’s first modern-era victory over a power-conference opponent.
- Quarterback William “Pop” Watson III completed 19 of 22 passes for about 197 yards and three touchdowns while adding 40 rushing yards, delivering an unexpectedly efficient debut for the Minutemen.
- Rutgers struggled with turnovers and consistency as Dylan Lonergan threw three interceptions and lost a fumble, and coach Greg Schiano conceded that UMass out‑coached Rutgers in the loss.
- UMass’s defense created sustained disruption with multiple sacks, tackles for loss and four forced turnovers that flipped field position and kept Rutgers from gaining traction.
- Rutgers reportedly paid UMass about $1.55 million to play the game and now faces immediate pressure heading into a Sept. 11 trip to Boston College while UMass returns home to face lower-division opponents and build momentum.