The triple threat of South Jersey, and West Jersey Football League players made the biggest impact for Rutgers University’s stifling defense on Sunday, September 3.

Tyreem Powell of Vineland (VHS), Deion Jennings of Sicklerville (Timber Creek), and Mohamed Toure of Pleasantville (Pleasantville High School) combined for 25 tackles. The three were awarded the Defensive MVP as Rutgers easily dispatched Big Ten opponent Northwestern, 24-7, in front of 53,026 sun-soaked fans in Piscataway, NJ.

The defense held Northwestern to an astonishing 201 total yards and intercepted two key passes. The paltry yards gained is the lowest the defense has turned in in any Rutgers game since it joined the Big Ten in 2014.

This was the opening game of the season for both teams.

Jennings led the bunch with nine total tackles, while Toure and Powell both recorded eight total tackles. Toure and Powell also added a sack each and 1.0 and 1.5 tackles for loss, respectively.

Rutgers quarterback Gavin Wimsatt, prize recruit of Owensboro, KY, passed for a score and ran for a score in winning the offensive MVP award.

Rutgers took on Temple University on Saturday, September 9, too late for results at press time.