Rutgers welcomed the Michigan State Spartans to Piscataway for a noon kickoff. The sun was out as evidenced by the long shadows, but it was quite brisk. The game began after a ceremony honoring the Rutgers seniors, Damon Hayes, Kyle Laporte, Kobe Marfo, Cole Murphy, Jim Onulak, Willington Previlon, Aslan Pugh, Freddie Recio, Austin Rosa, Kamaal Seymour, Manny Taylor, Prince Taylor and Zach Venesky (captain).
Rutgers differed and despite MSU moving the ball 49 yards on 9 plays, RU got a fourth down stop for an early shot of momentum.