Gallery: check out the best photos as gutsy Rutgers football nearly pulled off a win at Michigan State

Rutgers football showed heart and fight in a loss at Michigan State.

Rutgers football very nearly got a big road win on Saturday, falling just short with a 27-21 loss at Michigan State.

The Scarlet Knights had several shots to tie the game in the second half but fell short. Ultimately, it was a loss on Saturday to a sound opponent in a game where Rutgers showed plenty of poise and hope for the future.

With the loss, Rutgers is now 4-6 (1-6 Big Ten).

And while another loss is frustrating, especially as it puts bowl eligibility in doubt with two games left, from a big-picture perspective, this still was a net gain for the Scarlet Knights.

Quarterback Gavin Wimsatt was strong (20-of-34 for 236 yards with two touchdowns and no turnovers). And running back Kyle Monangai set a Rutgers Big Ten record for rushing yards.

Scroll down and check out the best photos from Saturday’s loss at Michigan State!