Rutgers stuns Purdue with a walk off field goal

West Lafayette, IN 10/25/25

                Rutgers (4-4, 1-4) used a strong offensive performance along with an opportunistic defensive play late to set up Jai Patel’s 30-yard game winning kick as the clock hit all zeros. Scarlett Knight QB Athan Kaliakmais threw for 359 yards with a score while adding another on the ground to lead an offense that racked up 543 total yards. Running backs Antwan Raymond and Ja’shon Benjamin combined for 195 rushing yards and a touchdown for Rutgers. On the receiving end of Kaliakmais’ passes was KJ Duff with 245 yards on 6 receptions.

                The Boilermakers’ (2-6, 0-5) rushing attack was at the fore of their offensive output. Devin Mockobee led the way with 91 yards with Malachi Thomas adding 62 yards. Both backs caught touchdowns as all of Purdue’s touchdowns came via the passing game. Thomas added 3 catches which topped the Boilermakers also. Quarterbacks Ryan Browne and Malachi Singleton combined for 128 yards through the air.

                Purdue took the early 10-0 lead with score from Malachi Thomas’ eight-yard reception and a Spencer Porath 20-yard field goal.  Rutgers answered back scoring with 12 seconds left in the half after an 85-yard drive. In the third quarter Purdue opened the half with a quick four play drive culminating with Mockobee’s score to take the 17-7 lead. Rutgers’ scored the next two touchdowns to take a 21-17 lead. With 4:43 to go Nitro Tuggle caught a 14-yard pass from Ryan Browne as Purdue took back the lead 24-21. With 1:06 Jai Patel kicked a field goal to tie the game at 24. On the ensuing drive Purdue’s Ryan Browne’s pass was batted into the air where he caught it himself but fumbled it upon contact. The Scarlett Knights recovered the fumble. After multiple running plays Patel hit the game winning kick as time expired.

Next Up: Nov 1st, Rutgers vs Illinois, Purdue vs Michigan