UMass ends its 16-game losing streak with a 37-21 win over Rutgers

Piscataway, N.J. (AP) — Pop Watson III propelled the University of Massachusetts to a 37-21 victory over Rutgers on Thursday night, effectively ending the team's 16-game losing streak. Watson's 197-yard, three-touchdown performance led the Minutemen, who had not beaten an FBS school since 2023. The Minutemen's first halftime lead against a power conference school came against Mississippi State in 2017.

Watson connected with Elijah Faulkner and Joseph Griffin Jr. on two touchdowns each, while Curtis Kimmons IV added a 17-yard touchdown run. KJ Duff, an AP All-America second-team wide receiver, caught three touchdown passes for Rutgers in the game. Rookie quarterback Dylan Lonergan made his Rutgers debut, completing 242 yards and two touchdowns but also throwing four interceptions and losing a fumble.