SportsDirect Inc. staff
Sep 11, 2010
Mohamed Sanu scored the go-ahead touchdown after a blocked punt and the Rutgers Scarlet Knights escaped with a 19-14 victory over Florida International in Miami on Saturday.

Sanu rushed nine times for 44 yards and also threw a 24-yard touchdown to D.C. Jefferson, but the rest of the team struggled offensively.

San San Te kicked a pair of field goals for Rutgers (2-0), which managed just 172 yards and went 1-for-12 on third downs.

Luckily the Scarlet Knights got a huge effort from Joe Lefeged, who blocked two punts, intercepted a pass and forced two fumbles.

Lefeged’s second block set the Scarlet Knights up at the FIU 24 yard-line early in the fourth quarter. One play later, Sanu went around the left side and scored from 24 yards outs, giving Rutgers a 19-14 advantage with 13:14 to play.

The ensuing two-point conversion failed, but the Rutgers defense never let the Panthers get in position to take the lead.

Florida International (0-1), which had just three wins last season, dominated statistically, but fell short due to sloppy play. The Panthers racked up 369 yards, but couldn’t overcome five turnovers and the two blocked punts.

Jeremiah Harden ran for 86 yards and Wesley Carroll threw a pair of touchdowns for FIU, which lost 23-15 at Rutgers last season.