The Massachusetts Minutemen ended a 16-game losing streak with a 37-21 win over Rutgers in the season opener for both teams on Thursday night, but celebrations by one player left a spectator on the ground with an apparent blow to the head.
Early in the fourth quarter at SHI Stadium in New Jersey, defensive back Jahmad Harmon intercepted a pass from Rutgers quarterback Dylan Lonergan and sprinted toward the sideline with the ball in his arms. As he celebrated, Harmon's shoulder collided with a woman standing nearby.
The woman was knocked off balance and fell backwards, appearing to hit the back of her head on the turf. Harmon and his UMass teammates did not appear to notice her fall and continued celebrating, taunting Rutgers fans in the stands.
UMass Ends Historic Losing Skid
The win snapped the longest active losing streak in the Football Bowl Subdivision, college football's top tier. UMass' previous victory over a fellow FBS opponent had come against Army in 2023.
Quarterback Pop Watson III passed for 197 yards and three touchdowns, connecting with Elijah Faulkner twice and with Joseph Griffin Jr. once, as UMass built a 24-7 halftime lead. It was the Minutemen's first halftime lead against a power conference opponent since they led Mississippi State in 2017.
Watson Spreads the Ball to Seven Receivers
Curtis Kimmons IV added a 17-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter to push the lead to 37-14. Watson, a transfer from Virginia Tech, completed 18 passes spread among seven different receivers and looked equally comfortable throwing the ball and running it out of the shotgun formation. He carried the ball six times for 40 yards as UMass scored on seven of its 10 drives.
Rutgers' Defensive Struggles Continue
Rutgers, a member of the Big Ten Conference that plays its home games at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, New Jersey, saw its defense continue the problems that plagued it last season, when the team allowed at least 30 points in eight of its 12 games. Wide receiver KJ Duff, an Associated Press All-America second-team selection, caught three touchdown passes in the loss.
Lonergan, making his debut at quarterback for Rutgers, passed for 242 yards and two touchdowns but threw four interceptions and lost a fumble.
