Rutgers defeated Northwestern 24-7 Sunday as the Scarlet Knights kicked off the 2023 season with a Big Ten victory, flirting with what would have been the program's first shutout win vs. a conference opponent since joining the Big Ten nine years ago. Rutgers quarterback Gavin Wismatt had a passing and rushing touchdown in the victory, and running back Kyle Monangai rushed for a score while the Scarlet Knight defense held the Wildcats in check until Northwestern (0-1, 0-1 Big Ten) finally broke through for a touchdown in the final minute of play.
Playing its first game since longtime coach Pat Fitzgerald was fired in July amid widespread hazing allegations surrounding the program, Northwestern's debut under interim coach David Braun left much to be desired.
On a day where Rutgers (1-0, 1-0) dominated time of possession early – the Scarlet Knights had the ball for nearly 22 minutes in the first half – the Wildcats' offense struggled mightily when it saw the field as Rutgers jumped out to a 17-0 lead in the first half.
It didn't take long to see that it might be a long day for Northwestern offense. Two of its first three possessions resulted in turnovers on downs, and the outcome was already decided when the Wildcats finally broke through with a 1-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Brendan Sullivan to running back Caleb Komolafe with 19 seconds remaining in the game.
Northwestern quarterback Ben Bryant, making his Wildcats debut after transferring from Cincinnati, finished 20-for-35 in passing for 169 yards with two interceptions. Meanwhile, the rushing attack was virtually nonexistent as the Wildcats managed for just 12 yards on the ground.
While it tracks to be a long season ahead for a Northwestern program that has now lost 12 straight games and is without a win on American soil since 2021 – Northwestern most recently won against Nebraska last August overseas in Ireland – Rutgers has now won its season opener for a sixth consecutive season.
Rutgers is back at home Saturday when the Scarlet Knights host Temple, while Northwestern looks to snap its losing streak in its home opener against UTEP.