Final: Rutgers 31, Army 21

Key play: Paul James fourth-down score to start second half

What did Rutgers have to lose? On the first drive to start the second half, Rutgers decided to go for it on fourth down on the goal line. Had James not converted, Army would’ve had a big momentum boost and a chance to make it a one-score game. Instead, James punched it in and Rutgers took a 17-point lead that it wouldn’t surrender all afternoon.

Telling stat: Rutgers holds team under 30 points for first time in two months

And that game was against Kansas. Go figure that in a game in which the Scarlet Knights were completely depleted defensively, they found an answer to prevent the triple-option from taking over. Fittingly, Josh Hicks had a hand in both turnovers. Go figure that the guy who hadn’t played defense all year did the damage for Rutgers. Maybe he should’ve been playing there all season.

Worth noting:

-Paul James has first multi-TD game since 2014 opener

The former Rutgers star got back into a starring role on Saturday. With Hicks moved to the defensive side, James stepped up in a big way. For the first time all year, he was the feature back. He actually out-touched Robert Martin and looked as good as he’s looked all season. For once, Rutgers was able to establish the run. His dominance helped Rutgers stop a four-game losing streak.

-Leonte Carroo aggravated a…hip injury?

Usually when Rutgers has to play without Carroo, it’s ugly. Well, the Scarlet Knights finally showed that they can function without their stud receiver. He was sidelined the entire second half with a hip injury that he apparently aggravated, despite the fact that it wasn’t listed on the injury report. It hasn’t been the senior year Carroo hoped it would be. Suspensions and injuries have clouded what was supposed to be a draft-stock-boosting year. Rutgers was also without Steve Longa and Kiy Hester in the second half. Still, it found a way to hold off Army.

What it means: Rutgers hasn’t quit on Kyle Flood

In a game in which Rutgers was without its two best defensive players (including Darius Hamilton) and its best offensive player, the Scarlet Knights didn’t wilt. Credit them for not feeling sorry for themselves. This easily could’ve been an ugly loss. Instead, Rutgers built a little bit of momentum heading into the final week of the regular season.