The Rutgers Scarlett Knights unloaded the playbook in Thursday’s Rate Bowl against Kansas State and the Wildcats were left bewildered at different points of the game.
After a 67-yard punt return put them in the red zone during the fourth quarter, Rutgers drove the ball to the one-yard line and showcased a different take on the Philadelphia Eagles’ tush push play.
On first-and-goal from the one-yard line, they ran the tush push unsuccessfully before hurrying up and seemingly preparing to do it again.
RUTGERS WITH THE FAKE TUSH PUSH pic.twitter.com/zmqpR3JfaS
— PFF College (@PFF_College) December 27, 2024
Rather than actually run it, though, quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis took the snap and slyly handed the ball backward to running back Antwan Raymond, who ran the ball to the outside and scored a touchdown on a makeshift jet sweep. The score gave Rutgers a 41-29 lead with 14:02 remaining.
The play was so confusing for Kansas State that linebacker Desmond Purnell looked at the back judge referee and pointed to the running back, seemingly indicating he expected a flag for an illegal play.
It’s a legal touchdown, and that sound you’re hearing is coaches around the NFL and college game who are surely opening their notebooks and writing that one down for future use.
Rutgers went on to blow a 17-point lead in Thursday’s game, falling 44-41 to end their season with a 7-6 record.
NFL fans have long complained about the controversial play that the Eagles have made famous where they get behind their brutish offensive line and gain two yards per play seemingly at will.
There had even been discussion about possibly banning the play, but the NFL has allowed it to be used.
Other teams have tried using it, but none as successful as the Eagles.
The Eagles actually have used the fake tush push too, including this season against the Saints.
