After 15 minutes in Piscataway, a ranked Rutgers team leads UConn, 6-0. The Scarlets Knights forced two turnovers, but could only convert field goals in what was a defensive struggle early.

The Scarlet Knights got on the board first when true freshman Kyle Federico curved one inside the uprights from 45 yards out. The field goal came as a result of a forced turnover by the Rutgers defense, when UConn quarterback Chandler Whitmer threw a wobbler down the left sideline. It was a poor pass by Whitmer, well short of his intended receiver, and Logan Ryan easily picked it off to take it the other way. Rutgers moved the chains for one first down on the ensuing possession, setting up the Federico field goal.

The Rutgers offense wouldn't be off the field for long, however, as UConn fumbled the subsequent kickoff. Jamal Merrell pounced on the loose ball, and the Scarlet Knights were in business inside the Huskies' 30-yard line. Jawan Jamison burst through the center of the line to score what appeared to be the game's first touchdown, but the long run was called back for holding. Rutgers would settle for another Federico field goal, this one a 31-yard chip shot from the right hash.