The Scarlet Knights improved their record to 3-0 with a win against Virginia Tech this past Saturday. The Hokies were a regular opponent back in Rutgers’ Big East days. And for decades – yes, decades – the Scarlet Knights continued to come up short against this opponent. They can thank Kyle Monangai for the change in direction.
A win against Virginia Tech was long overdue, not only for the program but for head coach Greg Schiano. This week’s win marked Rutgers’ first win over Virginia Tech since 1992.
Kyle Monangai Continued to Shine as Rutgers’ Strongest Link on Offense
Last week, we saw a career-high performance from running back Kyle Monangai against Temple. Clearly, he brought the same fire he had last week to the field this week. Monangai gained 143 rushing yards and scored a career-high three touchdowns. No time was wasted getting to the end zone. He scored a 19-yard run touchdown on Rutgers’ first offensive play of the game. The second of those touchdowns was an impressive 55-yard run with 10:41 left. This marks a career-long carry. Seven minutes later he did it again, rushing 12 yards with 3:20 left to put Rutgers at 35 points.
Last week, we saw Monangai rush 165 yards. Paired with the 143 yards he had rushing this week, Monangai is the first player to top 100 rushing yards in consecutive games since 2016. His career rushing yards now total 1,037 with 357 coming from the 2023 season.
Following in Pacheco’s Footsteps
Do these numbers feel familiar? Monangai’s performance this season has been constantly compared to that of Isaih Pacheco, the former Scarlet Knight and current member of the Kansas City Chiefs. In his first season in the NFL, Pacheco earned his first Super Bowl ring. And yes, earned is the right word. He not only saw time on the field but ran 15 times for 76 yards and one touchdown. Needless to say, if you’re Monangai, Pacheco is someone you want to be compared to.
Monangai’s 55-yard touchdown was the longest carry the Scarlet Knights have seen since Pacheco’s 66-yard run in 2020 against Ohio State. His three touchdowns are the most Rutgers has seen from a player in one game since Pacheco’s four touchdowns against Massachusetts in 2019.
In the 2022 season, Monangai had surpassed a Scarlet Knights record that Pacheco had owned; the most yards rushed in one game by a Rutgers player since entering the Big 10. We’ve now seen Monangai beat his own record, improving to 165 yards rushing in one game. Last season, Monangai was asked about his relationship with Pacheco. He answered speaking upon what he was able to learn from them during their time as Knights together. “His work ethic,” Monangi said. “Isaih’s probably the hardest working guy and hardest practice player I know. He takes pride in practicing hard. His attitude with everything he does always stood out.”
Monangai Shows Strength Outside of His Field Position
Monangai has proven to be a strong player on the field but he doesn’t stop there. This season, he has demonstrated strength off the field as well. He holds a position as one of the six captains Rutgers has for the 2023 season and it’s a job he does not take lightly.
When asked about his initial feelings on becoming captain, Monangai said, “It was a great feeling. As one of the older guys on the team, I have taken a leadership role and I have been able to show the younger guys the right way to do things. Knowing my teammates look to me as a leader is something I’m grateful for.”
Rutgers Faces Michigan Next
Week four’s game will be Rutgers’ toughest opponent yet. They are gearing up to face the Wolverines of the University of Michigan, their second Big Ten opponent of the season. Monangai’s performance against this powerhouse will say a lot about his strength and potential as a player.
Photo courtesy: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
