Jesse Mirco's fake punt sparked a skirmish, but it happened because Rutgers coach Greg Schiano called for a punt block in a 49-10 game.
For the most memorable play inA fourth-quarter punt in a 39-point game should have been forgettable. But when Ohio State’s Jesse Mirco ran instead of kicked and got decked out of bounds, it sparked a scene that fortunately didn’t go beyond mild shoves and angry words.pointing fingers and yelling at each other before calm was restored.When the game ended, Day and Schiano spoke warmly at midfield, patting each other on the shoulders.
“What Greg Schiano has done for me in the last month is something I'll never forget,” Day said. “He is the classiest person I've ever been around in the coaching profession – the way he's handled himself, helping me along the way, counseling me on day-to-day stuff.” Schiano’s rebuilding process, if it is ever to be successful, will take time. In the meantime, Schiano has had to find a way to compete against teams such as Ohio State.
It’s one thing to use trickery when the game’s outcome isn’t decided. It’s another when it is. Trailing 42-14 in the fourth quarter of that 2020 game, Rutgers scored on a punt return when the punt returner threw across the field to teammate Bo Melton, who ran 58 yards for a touchdown.