Big Ten Daily (Dec. 12): Former Illinois QB Tommy DeVito Shines on Monday Night Football

Former Illinois quarterback Tommy DeVito pulled through when the lights shined brightest. He led the Giants on a game-winning driver over the Packers, improving to 3-1 as an NFL starter.

Is it too late to start a "Tommy DeVito for MVP" campaign? The former Illinois quarterback took the NFL by storm in this week's Monday Night Football game, leading the New York Giants to a 24-22 win over the Green Bay Packers.

DeVito, a rookie and an undrafted free agent in 2023, led the Giants down the field in the final 1:33, setting up a game-winning 37-yard field goal for Randy Bullock.

On that last drive, DeVito completed all four passes for 53 yards. It was a clutch moment for the rookie quarterback on one of the NFL's biggest stages.

As an undrafted free agent rookie, this drive by Tommy DeVito is insanely impressive…

No idea what the future holds for this kid but is there a world where he gets better and develops into a legit starter? (Still Jayden SZN for me)

pic.twitter.com/q6wTqNsxfK

— Alex Wilson (@AlexWilsonESM) December 12, 2023

DeVito didn't just shine in the final 93 seconds. The former Illinois gunslinger completed 17-of-21 passes for 158 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed for 71 yards on 10 carries.

"You enjoy it when it's an outcome like this, right?" DeVito said after the game, per ESPN. "I mean, I enjoy being on the field any play, no matter what play it is. So just try to enjoy it."

The Illinois product is now 3-1 in his first four starts in the NFL. He's thrown for 855 yards, eight touchdowns and just three interceptions. New York has won three straight games with DeVito under center, defeating the Washington Commanders and New England Patriots prior to Monday's win over Green Bay.

As cheesy as the cliche "next man up" can be, DeVito is reaping the rewards of his preparedness. It's going to lead to more opportunities, especially this season.

"Earned the right to play [Monday], and earned the right to play next week," Giants coach Brian Daboll said. "The kid's done a good job."

Rutgers RB Kyle Monangai Returns

Kyle Monangai isn't done in Piscataway just yet. The star running back announced that he'll be returning to Rutgers in 2024, a huge boost for the offense heading into next season.

"Thank you to Coach (Greg) Schiano for taking a chance and believing in me when nobody else would," Monangai wrote on Twitter. "Playing at Rutgers and representing New Jersey has truly been an honor.

"I'm excited to announce that I'll be returning to Rutgers for my senior season. I love my teammates and believe we are just scratching the surface of what we can accomplish."

Monangai's announcement comes at the conclusion of an incredible season. He became the first Rutgers running back to exceed 1,000 yards on the ground in a year since Jawan Jamison in 2012. 

Monangai led the Big Ten with 1,099 yards and scored seven touchdowns. His production helped the Scarlet Knights secure a bowl berth with a 6-6 regular season record.

Rutgers will play Miami in the Pinstripe Bowl on Thursday, Dec. 28 to conclude the year.

Joe Rossi Reportedly Leaving Minnesota 

Minnesota is on the hunt for a new defensive coordinator. According to ESPN's Pete Thamel, Joe Rossi is leaving P.J. Fleck's staff to join Jonathan Smith at Michigan State.

Rossi has been the architect behind a strong Gophers defense for the past five seasons. Minnesota ranked in the top half of the Big Ten in scoring defense three times during that stretch. 

The Gophers took a step back last season, allowing 26.9 points and 373.8 yards per game. Both those averages ranked 10th in the conference. 

But in the previous two seasons, Rossi's abilities as a defensive coordinator shined. Minnesota ranked fourth nationally in scoring defense in 2022 (13.8 points per game allowed) and sixth in 2021 (17.3 points per game allowed). The Gophers also ranked in the top-10 nationally in total defense each season.

Michigan State is getting a proven defensive coordinator. Now, Minnesota needs find his replacement.

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