Huskies hold off Rutgers
Dante Pettis woke up No. 8 Washington just before halftime with his sixth career punt return for a touchdown and Jake Browning threw two second-half touchdown passes in a tougher-thanexpected 30-14 victory over rebuilding Rutgers last night in Piscataway, N.J.
Pettis’ blistering 61-yard return gave the Huskies their first lead at 10-7 with 3:50 left in the half. He tied former California star DeSean Jackson’s Pac-12 career record for punt returns for scores.
A senior receiver, Pettis actually set up the Huskies’ first three scores this season. His 51-yard catch led to the first of three field goals by Tristan Vizcaino and his catches of 10 and 24 yards ignited an early third-quarter drive that Browning capped with a 7-yard swing pass to halfback Lavon Coleman for a 17-7 lead.
Browning was 17-of-30 for 284 yards. He also found halfback Kyle Gaskin on an 18-yard TD pass on the first play of the fourth quarter for a 27-7 lead.
Louisville transfer Kyle Bolin threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to Janarion Grant on Rutgers’ first possession for a 7-0 lead and a 34-yarder to Dacoven Bailey late. Bolin finished 24-of-34 for 178 yards and had two passes intercepted by Byron Murphy.
The Scarlet Knights have lost 10 straight under second-year coach Chris Ash. The Huskies beat Rutgers, 48-13, last year in the opener in Seattle en route to a 12-2 record that included a Pac-12 title and a trip to the college football playoffs.
Wisconsin 59, Utah St. 10 — Alex Hornibrook threw three touchdown passes, the No. 9 Badgers forced four turnovers, and Wiscy recovered from a miserable start with a dominating second half to beat the Aggies in Madison, Wis.
Freshman Jonathan Taylor ran for 87 yards and a touchdown on nine carries in the opener. Star tight end Troy Fumagalli caught the go-ahead touchdown early in the third quarter, and Zander Neuville and Quintez Cephus made highlight-reel scoring grabs.
Wisconsin outgained Utah State 251-43 in the Badgers’ 28-point third quarter, rushing for 130 yards. Safety Joe Ferguson entertained the hardy fans who stayed for the fourth by returning an interception 99 yards for a score.
The Badgers asserted their dominance after struggling early. They trailed 10-0 late into the second quarter before taking off in the second half.
In New England action: Syracuse 50, Central Conn. 7 — Eric Dungey was 28-for36 with three touchdowns through the air and added two scores on the ground as the Orange planted the Blue Devils in Syracuse, N.Y.
MIT 28, Becker 0 — John Robertson ran for 81 yards and a touchdown while the Engineers held the Hawks to 187 total yards in Leicester.
Curry 33, Fitchburg St. 30 — Sean Amaru rumbled for 163 yards and a score as the Colonels held off the Falcons in Milton.
Mount Ida 12, UMass-Dartmouth 10 — Kolbie Humble rushed for 95 yards on 30 carries as the Mustangs nipped the host Corsairs.
Nichols 19, Westfield St. 13 — Jacob Duffrene’s 30-yard touchdown run with 3:30 remaining lifted the Bison over the Owls in Dudley.
WPI 48, Anna Maria 0 — Sean McAllen recorded 246 rushing yards and four TDs as the Engineers ripped the Amcats in Worcester.