UMass ends 16-game losing streak by defeating Rutgers 37-21
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 4, 2026, 3:39 AM
Last updated Sep 4, 2026

UMass defeated Rutgers 37-21 on Thursday night in Piscataway, New Jersey, ending a 16-game losing streak that spanned back to the 2023 season. Pop Watson III led the UMass offense with 197 passing yards and three touchdowns, while also rushing for 40 yards on six carries. The visitors established a 24-7 halftime lead and maintained control throughout the second half behind a 17-yard touchdown run from Curtis Kimmons IV. Rutgers quarterback Dylan Lonergan finished with 242 passing yards and two touchdowns but committed four interceptions and one fumble in the loss. KJ Duff recorded three touchdown receptions for the Rutgers offense. UMass will face Sacred Heart on September 12, while Rutgers travels to play Boston College on September 11.
- •UMass ended a 16-game losing streak with a 37-21 win over Rutgers.
- •Pop Watson III accounted for three passing touchdowns in the victory.
- •Rutgers quarterback Dylan Lonergan threw four interceptions and lost one fumble.
- •The UMass victory included three touchdown receptions by KJ Duff for Rutgers.
- •UMass plays Sacred Heart on September 12 and Rutgers faces Boston College on September 11.
- 3:39 AMYahoo Sports — UMass ends its 16-game losing streak with a 37-21 win over Rutgers
"Pop Watson III passed for 197 yards and three touchdowns as UMass ended a 16-game losing streak with a 37-21 win over Rutgers in the season-opener for both teams on Thursday night.
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