Rutgers' Postgame Fireworks Show Goes Viral in Video After Losing to UMass as 29.5-Point Favorites

Losing to a team that entered the season on the FBS' longest losing streak wasn't enough to stop Rutgers from a planned postgame fireworks show.

A video of fireworks going off over SHI Stadium went viral after Rutgers opened the 2026 campaign Thursday night with a 37-21 loss to UMass.

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UMass, which was considered a +29.5 underdog heading into the matchup, had lost 16 straight games before Thursday night.

The Minutemen started out the game by falling into an early 7-0 deficit before scoring 30 straight points.

Rutgers reportedly paid UMass to come to Piscataway to open the 2026 season, per On3's Brett McMurphy .

The Scarlet Knights might also see postgame fireworks regardless of results in Week 2. Rutgers is hitting the road next Friday to play in Boston College's home opener.