Rutgers Runs Wild as Raymond Makes History
Rutgers football fans witnessed a performance for the ages on Saturday, November 8, as sophomore running back
Antwan Raymond exploded for a career-high 240 rushing yards, powering the Scarlet Knights to a decisive
35-20 victory over Maryland at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, New Jersey. Raymond’s relentless ground attack not only kept Rutgers’ postseason hopes alive but also rewrote the program’s record books.
Raymond’s Record-Breaking Day
Raymond’s 240 yards are the
most by any Big Ten player this season and rank third nationally, trailing only Texas Tech’s Cameron Dickey and Missouri’s Ahmad Hardy. Carrying the ball a staggering 41 times—tying a school record—Raymond averaged nearly six yards per carry and scored a touchdown, setting a new Rutgers mark for yards in a Big Ten game.
This milestone also marks the
first time in Rutgers history that the program has produced consecutive 1,000-yard rushers, following Kyle Monangai’s 1,279-yard campaign last year before his move to the NFL. Raymond’s journey from Quebec, Canada, to college football stardom has been defined by sacrifice and hard work, and Saturday’s performance was a testament to his dedication.
"It’s definitely a special, special moment for sure," Raymond said after the game.
"All the work that we put in, not just me, but the coaches, all the other running backs, all the work we put in.”
Kaliakmanis and Strong Deliver Through the Air
Quarterback
Athan Kaliakmanis matched Raymond’s heroics with a career-high four touchdown passes, tying the Rutgers record for a Big Ten game. Wide receiver
Ian Strong was the primary beneficiary, hauling in three touchdowns and setting his own career mark. The Scarlet Knights’ offense was firing on all cylinders, converting 9 of 12 third downs and amassing 229 passing yards alongside 256 on the ground.
Maryland’s Struggles Continue
For Maryland, the loss extended a painful five-game skid, dropping the Terrapins to 4-5 overall and 1-5 in Big Ten play. Freshman quarterback
Malik Washington provided a spark with 164 rushing yards, including a dazzling 73-yard touchdown run on the game’s second play. However, the Terrapins’ offense sputtered in the second half, managing just 83 total yards as Rutgers’ defense tightened its grip.
Head coach Michael Locksley acknowledged the growing pains of his young squad:
“The development of a young team and an inexperienced team sometimes has its ups and downs and we’re in the middle of a tough stretch for this group.”
What’s Next for Both Teams?
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Rutgers (5-5, 2-5 Big Ten): The Scarlet Knights head to Columbus to face powerhouse Ohio State on November 22, with bowl eligibility still within reach.
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Maryland (4-5, 1-5 Big Ten): The Terrapins travel to Illinois on November 15, hoping to snap their losing streak and salvage their season.
Key Takeaways
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Antwan Raymond’s 240 rushing yards set a new Rutgers record for a Big Ten game and are the third-highest single-game total in the country this season.
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Rutgers’ balanced attack—229 passing yards, 256 rushing yards—was its most complete performance of the year.
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Maryland’s offense showed flashes of brilliance but couldn’t sustain momentum, especially in the second half.
- Both teams face pivotal matchups in the coming weeks that will determine their postseason fate.
Sources
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