Rutgers is off to a hot start against Purdue.

Backup quarterback Artur Sitkowski got the start today, and he’s been excellent so far. He completed eight of his first nine passes for 69 yards and two touchdowns.

That production resulted in a 13-7 lead over Purdue at the end of the first quarter.

Both touchdown throws have been to Shameen Jones, who had just two career TDs coming into this game.

Here’s the second one that gave Rutgers the lead:

The Scarlett Knights missed the extra point after their first touchdown, so the lead is only 13-7.

Starting quarterback Noah Vedral was unavailable to start this game due to an injury.

Both Rutgers and Purdue are coming off narrow losses. Rutgers lost to Michigan in triple overtime last week. Purdue fell to Minnesota after its go-ahead touchdown was wiped off the board by a phantom offensive pass interference call.

Purdue is 2-2 this season and Rutgers is 1-4.