Rutgers dominates Michigan State with a 41-14 victory

In a regular-season finale held in East Lansing, Michigan, Rutgers University secured a definitive 41-14 victory over Michigan State University. The game featured harsh wintry weather conditions, including blowing snow and wind chills in the teens, which added another challenge for the teams. Rutgers managed to score on eight of their nine possessions during the game, showcasing a potent offensive performance. Kyle Monangai was a standout player, rushing for 129 yards and securing a touchdown, while Antwan Raymond contributed with two scoring runs. Jai Patel also had an impressive day, successfully kicking four field goals, contributing significantly to the team's overall score. Michigan State initiated the scoring early in the first quarter with a 25-yard touchdown run by Nate Carter, but Rutgers quickly bounced back. Monangai responded with a 7-yard scoring run, and the Scarlett Knights took the lead shortly after with a 25-yard field goal by Patel. The second quarter saw Rutgers extend their lead, with Raymond's 13-yard touchdown run and two additional field goals by Patel, bringing the halftime score to 23-7 in favor of Rutgers. Following halftime, the rhythm of the game continued to favor Rutgers, with Athan Kaliakmanis throwing a 9-yard touchdown pass to Ian Strong, further stretching their lead. Patel's consistent field goals and strong offensive plays left Michigan State struggling to keep pace. The Spartans, now experiencing their third consecutive season without bowl eligibility, lost four of their last five games, contributing to their disappointing season under first-year coach Jonathan Smith. Smith acknowledged the struggles of his team, emphasizing the need for improvement. The game also had a serious moment when Michigan State's defensive back, Jaylen Thompson, was carted off the field after a concerning tackle during the first half. Post-game updates confirmed he was evaluated and is now in concussion protocol. Overall, while Rutgers celebrated a successful end to their season with a 7-5 record, Michigan State reflected on a challenging year, putting into context the competitive nature of college football and the importance of consistent performance for future successes.