Rutgers football: Three takeaways from Rutgers win over Umass 8/30
By Ed Stein
Carter was the right choice
Chris Ash wasn’t talking earlier this week when asked who his starting quarterback would be. Neither UMass or Rutgers football fans knew until just before kickoff that Texas Tech graduate transfer McLane Carter was his choice. As it turns out it was the right call.
At the start, it didn’t feel that way, especially when Carter threw a pick on his drive at the helm. As the game progressed and momentum turned it was clear the former Red Raiders starter had it under control. His ability to hit receivers on a rope with good leads was Big 10 caliber. Additionally, threw nice deep balls down the left side.
Carter’s day wasn’t even close to perfect, but it will do for a start. He completed 21-of-31 pass attempts for 310 yards, with a pair touchdown passes and three interceptions. What was really nice was his ability to spread the ball around to receivers at different positions.
His chemistry with junior wide receiver Bo Melton was terrific. The pair connected on six passes for 127 yards and a touchdown. That type of scoring play was what the Knights have been lacking. On third and five from the UMass 33, in the second quarter, Melton beat his man down the left sideline and Carter dropped him a perfect pass in the end zone, in a place where only the WR could get it.
Next week at Iowa should be a good test for him.