$Rutgers Football\'s Top 10 Plays of 2014$

Rutgers Football's Top 10 Plays of 2014

By brookshooley

Rutgers Football's Top Plays of 2014

Rutgers Football — The 2014 season saw Rutgers begin a new era in a new conference. The Scarlet Knights posted an 8-5 overall record and went 3-5 in the Big Ten. They closed out the season with a victory over North Carolina in the Quick Lane Bowl. Here are the 10 best plays from the Scarlet Knights last season.

10. Leonte Carroo's Long Touchdown Reception vs. Washington State

Leonte Carroo rutgers scarlet knights

10. Leonte Carroo's Long Touchdown Reception vs. Washington State

Leonte Carroo rutgers scarlet knights — Rutgers made a visit to the Pacific Northwest to open the 2014 season against Washington State. The Scarlet Knights opened the score early when quarterback Gary Nova hit wide receiver Leonte Carroo for a 78-yard touchdown strike on the first play of the game. It set the tone for an offensive showcase between the two teams.

9. Andrew Turzilli's Long Touchdown Reception vs. Tulane

Andrew Turzilli rutgers scarlet knights

9. Andrew Turzilli's Long Touchdown Reception vs. Tulane

Andrew Turzilli rutgers scarlet knights — Rutgers jumped on Tulane early, leading 14-0 at the end of the first quarter. After being pinned deep in their own territory, the Scarlet Knights extended their lead when Nova found receiver Andrew Turzilli for 93 yards to take a 21-0 lead. It was Nova’s third touchdown pass of the day in as many drives. He went on to break the school record for career touchdown passes later in the game.

8. Robert Martin's Touchdown Run vs. Indiana

Robert Martin rutgers scarlet knights

8. Robert Martin's Touchdown Run vs. Indiana

Robert Martin rutgers scarlet knights — The Scarlet Knights' offensive attack was almost non-existent in the first half against the Hoosiers. Indiana led 13-10 at the half and added a Griffin Oakes field goal in the third quarter to extend the lead. On Rutgers’ ensuing possession, RB Robert Martin broke free for a 47-yard touchdown run to put the Scarlet Knights up 17-16. It sparked a 21-point third quarter for Rutgers and led to a 45-23 victory over the Hoosiers in Piscataway.

7. Leonte Carroo's Long Touchdown Reception vs. Nebraska

Leonte Carroo rutgers scarlet knights

7. Leonte Carroo's Long Touchdown Reception vs. Nebraska

Leonte Carroo rutgers scarlet knights — The Huskers took a 7-0 lead after quarterback Tommy Armstrong’s rushing touchdown. Just before the end of the first quarter, Rutgers responded. Nova and Carroo teamed up for another long touchdown pass to tie the score. However, Rutgers would leave Lincoln with a 42-24 loss.

6. Andrew Turzilli's Long Touchdown Reception vs. Michigan

Andrew Turzilli rutgers scarlet knights

6. Andrew Turzilli's Long Touchdown Reception vs. Michigan

Andrew Turzilli rutgers scarlet knights — A pair of Kyle Federico field goals put Rutgers up 6-3 in the first quarter against the Wolverines. The Scarlet Knights trailed 10-6 after a Devin Gardner touchdown run in the second quarter. Later in the quarter, Nova hit a wide open Turzilli who took it the distance for an 80-yard score. Rutgers led 12-10 after Federico’s PAT was blocked.

5. Justin Goodwin's Touchdown Run vs. Navy

Justin Goodwin rutgers scarlet knights

5. Justin Goodwin's Touchdown Run vs. Navy

Justin Goodwin rutgers scarlet knights — After James left the game with a knee injury, Rutgers held a 17-7 lead late in the second quarter when Navy quarterback Keenan Reynolds scored to cut the deficit to three. Just before the half, Rutgers responded with a three-yard touchdown run from running back Justin Goodwin. This put the Scarlet Knights ahead for good in the 31-24 win.

4. Andrew Turzilli's Second Touchdown Reception vs. Michigan

Andrew Turzilli rutgers scarlet knights

4. Andrew Turzilli's Second Touchdown Reception vs. Michigan

Andrew Turzilli rutgers scarlet knights — Rutgers took a meager 19-17 lead into the locker room against Michigan. After a scoreless third quarter, Rutgers needed to distance itself from the Wolverines. Early in the fourth, Nova found Turzilli again for a 14-yard touchdown pass to give Rutgers a 26-17 lead. The Scarlet Knights escaped with a 26-24 victory.

3. Andre Patton's Touchdown Reception vs. Maryland

Andre Patton rutgers scarlet knights

3. Andre Patton's Touchdown Reception vs. Maryland

Andre Patton rutgers scarlet knights — Maryland raced to a 35-10 lead in the second quarter, but Rutgers mounted a steady comeback down the stretch of the second half. Trailing by seven points early in the fourth quarter, receiver Andre Patton hauled in a 10-yard touchdown pass from Nova to knot the score at 38, setting the stage for a fantastic finish.

2. Paul James' Game-Winning Touchdown Run vs. Washington State

Paul James rutgers scarlet knights

2. Paul James' Game-Winning Touchdown Run vs. Washington State

Paul James rutgers scarlet knights — In a back-and-forth offensive shootout, Washington State held a 38-34 lead with less than four minutes to play. But the Scarlet Knights threw one last punch as James put Rutgers ahead for good when he plunged into the end zone from three yards out. The Scarlet Knights left Seattle with a 41-38 non-conference win over the Cougars.

1. Kyle Federico's Game-Winning Field Goal vs. Maryland

Kyle federico rutgers scarlet knights

1. Kyle Federico's Game-Winning Field Goal vs. Maryland

Kyle federico rutgers scarlet knights — The Scarlet Knights’ defense held Maryland scoreless after Patton’s touchdown reception. With a little over six minutes left in the game, Rutgers went on a 10-play, 72-yard drive that ended with a 25-yard Federico field goal. The Scarlet Knights left Byrd Stadium with a 41-38 victory.

Brooks Hooley is a Junior Big Ten Football writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @brookshooley.

Teams in this article »

Rutgers Scarlet Knights

Share On Facebook

Share