Knight Noise: Rutgers Football Audio Ahead of Week 8 at Purdue | Patel, Benjamin, Kaliakmanis, Thompson
Jai Patel taking kicks pre-game ahead of Rutgers' homecoming matchup vs Oregon. (Credit: Ayami Hope Gemino)
Ahead of the Rutgers Football team’s week eight matchup against Purdue, WRSU’s Phil Jaccoma, Will Carmenaty, and Nick Hart got a chance to speak with some of the players during the week.
On Tuesday, Jaccoma spoke with Rutgers kicker Jai Patel. Patel has had an up-and-down season, but answered the few calls he had on Saturday. Patel knocked a 51-yarder through early to put the Scarlet Knights up 3-0, then hit his lone extra point in the second half.
Rutgers quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis also spoke with the media on Tuesday. Kaliakmanis went 8/25 against Oregon, recording a season low 79 yards through the air, as well as two interceptions.
On Wednesday, Carmenaty and Hart had a chance to speak with Rutgers running back Ja’Shon Benjamin. Benjamin took over late for the starter Antwan Raymond, rushing 18 times for 79 yards. Benjamin also scored the Scarlet Knights’ lone touchdown late in the fourth quarter on a seven-yard rush.
Rutgers defensive lineman Jordan Thompson also spoke to the media on Wednesday. Thompson spoke after the defense allowed 750 yards to the Ducks last week, the highest amount it has allowed since entering the Big Ten in 2014.
The Scarlet Knights travel out to West Lafayette, Indiana, this Saturday, to take on Purdue. The game will kick off at noon, with the Rutgers Countdown pregame show starting an hour early at 11:00 AM. Nick Hart and Tyler Levy will be on the call on 88.7 WRSU-FM or online right here at wrsu.org.