A Record-Setting Day for Rutgers

The dust has settled on Rutgers football’s 54-34 upset of No. 17 Pittsburgh at Heinz Field and I am still in awe of the Scarlet Knights’ performance even after returning to New Brunswick from a weekend in the Steel City.

Let’s take a look at some of the records that fell or were in jeopardy throughout Saturday evening’s Big East clash.

Rutgers fifth-year senior quarterback Mike Teel:

Teel became the first player in Big East history to throw for five touchdowns in the first half of a league game.

Teel’s six touchdown passes were a Rutgers record, surpassing the previous mark of five by both Mike McMahon in 2000 and Highland Park-native (shameless plug) Rich Policastro in 1969.

Teel was only the fourth Big East player ever to throw for six touchdowns in a conference tilt.

The six TD passes moved Teel into a tie with Ray Lucas for second all-time on RU’s passing touchdowns list.

Rutgers junior wide receiver Kenny Britt:

Britt’s 79-yard reception in the first quarter was the longest of his career, passing a memorable 67-yard sprint down the right sideline in 2006 against Louisville.

Britt had three touchdown receptions in the first half, but slowed down a bit after intermission as the Scarlet Knights went to a run-heavy set. The school record for touchdown catches in a game is four by Chris Brantley—in a 50-49 win over Virginia Tech on Homecoming 1992.

The 54 points was the most Rutgers has scored against a Big East opponent since putting up 63 against Temple in 1993.

UNRELATED NOTE: It is my pleasure to revel in Highland Park’s shutout win over Spotswood yesterday to improve to 5-1, riding Bryant Fitzgerald’s monstrous day first reported here by Brian Johnson. Stay tuned in the coming weeks for some Central Jersey high school football analysis.