PISCATAWAY, N.J. — Rutgers football improved to 2-0 on Saturday night with a wild and at times turbulent win over Temple. A frothy and loud crowd at SHI Stadium certainly created a home-field advantage for Rutgers.
Rutgers rode a big fourth quarter to a 36-7 win.
In his post-game press conference, head coach Greg Schiano talked about two topics before ending his session with the media. First, he singled out wide receiver JaQuae Jackson for having a strong game (four catches, 95 yards).
Then Schiano turned his attention to the 45,317 who were in attendance for the win. The annual Blackout game produced a great environment for Rutgers.
“I also want to talk about our student section. That was really cool. They got there early. They were cheering their classmates on early before any — while we were warming up,” Schiani said.
But it was more than just the optics and atmosphere created at SHI Stadium that impressed Schiano. He also said that the fans and the students helped create a crucial penalty.
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The loud environment at Rutgers, criminally under-rated around college football, helped Rutgers to their second win in as many games this season.
“When we got that delay of game, when Temple got the delay of game, that was totally home-field advantage. Our student section, I couldn’t hear a thing,” Schiano said.
“The guy was yelling in my ear and I couldn’t hear; that’s how loud it was. That’s huge for us. So I want to thank them. And they looked great, all dressed in black for the blackout. That’s college football right there. We’ve just got to keep doing it. Keep giving them a reason to come and they will do a great job for us, I know that, so I want to thank them.”
Temple had seven penalties for 51 yards in the loss at Rutgers.