Monangai ties career-best with 165 yards rushing and scores TD as Rutgers beats Howard in opener

PISCATAWAY, N.J. -- , Reigning Big Ten Conference rushing champion Kyle Monangai matched his career-best by running for 165 yards and a touchdown to lead Rutgers to a 44-7 victory over two-time defending Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference champion Howard on Thursday night. Transfer quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis threw three touchdowns and defensive back Eric Rogers returned an interception 52 yards for a score on Howard's first possession as the Scarlet Knights overcame a slow start in winning their eighth straight non-conference game. Antwan Raymond scored on an 11-yard run on the final play of the game. There was no PAT. The final play annoyed Howard coach Larry Scott , who said he would not have gone for a touchdown with :07 left on the clock and the Scarlet Knights leading 38-7. “I think we’re both two competitive people and in that situation, Scott said.