PISCATAWAY, N.J. — Kyle Monangai is having himself a very strong day, the Rutgers football running back delivering a monster block to key a third down conversion.

The second quarter play saw Monangai step up and absolutely thud a blitzing Northwestern linebacker. There was an audible gasp from the crowd at SHI Stadium when Monangai delivered the block.

The block gave quarterback Gavin Wimsatt time to complete a 12-yard pass to Isaiah Washington, turning a third-and-10 into a first down.

Mongangai, a product of Don Bosco Prep, got the start on Sunday in the season opener. Samuel Brown V, who won the starting job at running back last season, was announced as questionable on Sunday morning.

He had 27 rushing yards on 10 carries in the first half:

Last season, Monangai had 445 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 109 carries. He also had six catches for 31 yards.

Rutgers ended the first half up 17-0 on Northwestern. The Scarlet Knights started the game with three scores in their first three drives.

They had 183 yards of total offense and a significant time of possession edge (21:44).

Story originally appeared on Rutgers Wire