Army gave up 14 fourth-quarter points to Rutgers on Saturday and went on to lose 23-20 in overtime Saturday at the New Meadowlands Stadium. The loss drops Army to 4-3, with all three losses coming by seven points or less.
Statistically, the Cadets had no business losing. Army outgained Rutgers by 154 yards and sacked the Scarlett Knights’ freshman quarterback 10 times for -78 yards. Overall, Rutgers finished with -1 yard rushing, and Army had more first downs and fewer penalties.
But man oh man, the penalties Army did commit were crucial. Army committed three penalties on Rutgers’ first touchdown drive of the second half, including a holding penalty on a fourth down and a terrible questionable pass interference call. On Rutgers’ next touchdown drive, a personal foul penalty (helmet-to-helmet contact with the quarterback) wiped out an Army interception. A few plays later, Rutgers quarterback Chas Dodd hit Mark Harrison for a touchdown.
On the season, Army has been outscored 75-27 in the fourth quarter. In their losses, the Cadets have been outscored 38-7 in the fourth quarter.
Army squandered two 100-yard rushing performances in the loss. Sophomore fullback Jared Hassin finished with 118 yards and sophomore quarterback Trent Steelman finished with 102 yards. Each also ran for a touchdown.
Here’s the highlights, courtesy of ESPN3
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