Rutgers Football: Artur Sitkowski shows promise in debut
3. Elorm Lumor might be the spark the defense needs
The biggest question about the Rutgers defense heading into 2018 was the defensive line after graduating its two top players, but redshirt sophomore Elorm Lumor showed he can be a difference maker in a very similar way that Kemoko Turay added a spark to the defense in his time in Piscataway.
Lumor, who plays a hybrid linebacker/defensive line position, made an impact on both the defense and special teams. Rutgers has the most blocked kicks in the country since 2009 and he blocked a field goal late in the first quarter. He also made a fumble recovery.
The defense committed more penalties than ideal — particularly in the first defensive series — but held Texas State scoreless in the first half. Rutgers pitched a virtual shutout defensively after not ceding a single offensive touchdown to Texas State.
Rutgers scored a touchdown on defense in the fourth quarter when the Bobcats botched a snap pinned in their own end zone.
Last year’s Big Ten leader in tackles Trevor Morris dropped an easy interception opportunity but made up for it by making some big tackles.
Top 30 breakout players for 2018. dark. Next
Blessaun Austin was limited in his first game back from tearing his ACL retroactive to last season and Rutgers may have suffered an injury scare to Kiy Hester. The defensive back hobbled off the field with an apparent leg injury after a punt.
The defensive output supplied the best all-around performance of the game which is the calling card of a Rutgers team that is laden with veteran experience.