PISCATAWAY – It’s been a while since this version of Rutgers football’s defense showed up.

The swarming, physical, violent, defense. The one that garnered high expectations coming into this season, but one that’s absorbed one injury after another during what’s been a tumultuous, trying stretch of games.

The Scarlet Knights’ defense on Saturday rose to the occasion against Minnesota.

Joe Harasymiak’s unit made multiple big plays, at times making life miserable for Golden Gophers quarterback Max Brosmer, and ultimately it was Rutgers’ defense that propelled the Scarlet Knights to a 26-19 victory over Minnesota at SHI Stadium.

Now the big challenge facing Rutgers?

Keep it going for the final three games.

“We’re just a little bit healthier, but I think the biggest difference is Coach Harasymiak literally stripped it down to the studs and rebuilt it in two weeks, which I don't think he slept,” coach Greg Schiano said. “He and I talked a lot, and I'm just so proud of him. The leadership that he provided to the whole defensive staff and to our team.”

'The defense played incredible'

It was Tyreem Powell’s play that made the difference, forcing a fumble at the Minnesota 10-yard line in the fourth quarter that safety Shaquan Loyal managed to recover for Rutgers at the 12.

The offense got the ball in prime field position. It capitalized. Quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis, against his former team, threw a four-yard touchdown pass to Ian Strong that gave the Scarlet Knights the lead for good.

“The defense played incredible,” Kaliakmanis said. “Our defense showed up really big today and it helped us out on offense.”

Powell’s play was undoubtedly the difference-maker.

“It felt like it was needed at that time,” Powell said. “I knew the momentum was back on our side, I knew the offense was going to get in the end zone. I think it was needed for the team as a whole.”

Once Rutgers scored that go-ahead touchdown, the defense needed to lock Minnesota down.

It did just that.

On the first play of Minnesota’s subsequent drive, defensive tackle Keshon Griffin sacked quarterback Max Brosmer for a loss of eight.

Two plays later, the Golden Gophers faced third-and-18 from their own 5. Defensive end Jordan Walker sacked Brosmer in the end zone for a safety, essentially sealing the win.

EDELSON Rutgers QB torches former teammates, leading season-saving win over Minnesota

Those were two of four sacks Rutgers registered for the afternoon – an encouraging sign considering the pass-rush struggles the Scarlet Knights have endured this season.

And other stats tell the story.

Rutgers limited Minnesota to 297 total yards and just 35 rushing yards.

Yes, 35.

This was a complete, convincing showing from Rutgers’ defense.

“We played together,” Powell said. “That was the message coming into this week. They knew us, we knew them. We just had to play together, play for the brother next to you. That’s what we did today.”

Rutgers football's defense 'got back to who they were'

The bye week came at the right time.

It offered Rutgers’ defense a chance to regroup, and as Schiano said, for Harasymiak to do a full evaluation to get the unit back heading in the right direction.

And that’s not easy considering the injuries that have mounted – losing linebacker Mohamed Toure to a torn ACL before the season was a brutal blow. The injuries haven’t stopped – now defensive end Wesley Bailey is out for the remainder of the season.

Factor in players who have battled through ailments – including Powell, as well as cornerback Robert Longerbeam, defensive end Aaron Lewis and safety Flip Dixon – it would be hard for any defense to live up to expectations.

But in a game that saved Rutgers’ season, the Scarlet Knights’ defense answered the call.

“I think they got back to who they were today,” Schiano said. “And it has nothing to do with X's and O's, although X's and O's are important. And it's got nothing to do with technique, although I think technique is critically important. I think that unit laid down the line for each other. Literally splattered their bodies all over the field for each other. That's how you make the plays.”

Rutgers has three games remaining, starting with Saturday's contest at Maryland, then home against Illinois and at Michigan State to close out the regular season.

If the Scarlet Knights can maintain this defensive intensity, can maintain this level of play, they’ll give themselves a chance in each of those games.

“For me, and I know my teammates, these last three games, I’m playing for the guy on my left and the guy on my right,” Powell said. “It’s nothing else that needs to be said. My teammates, my brothers have got my back, I’ve got theirs. That’s all I’m playing for these last few games.”

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Rutgers football: Can defense keep playing at high level vs Maryland?