PISCATAWAY -- The smallest home crowd at Rutgers since joining the Big Ten made the biggest difference.

Boos targeted at the officials echoed throughout High Point Solutions Stadium on Saturday after 34,972 fans saw the replay of a blown call victimizing Rutgers defense on the big screen video board. The noise continued over the next few minutes and through the next television timeout.

"The booing I feel like lit a fire under us a little bit," linebacker Ross Douglas said. "We were like, 'Wow. We've got to go on and win this game now.' That's what we did."

Rutgers' back-and-forth 31-24 victory against Maryland featured many turning points, but the uniting of the crowd and the home team at a point when the Scarlet Knights trailed 21-17 was one of the biggest.

What a change from earlier this season when fans booed Rutgers' conservative playing style.

On a fourth-and-1 late from Rutgers' 21-yard line late in the third quarter, Maryland kept its offense on the field rather than attempting a field goal. Tight end Derrick Hayward clearly moved before the snap, drawing defensive tackle Kevin Wilkins across the line of scrimmage.

But the officials called an offside penalty rather than a false start -- and Rutgers coach Chris Ash exploded on the sideline before seeing his defense's fiery response.

"Might have made us collapse earlier in the year, to be honest," Ash said.

"That was a big call. The good thing is, though it didn't go our way, our players responded, held them to the field goal. And, obviously, (if) we give up a touchdown there, it's going to look a little bleak. The outcome might be a little bit different."

Not expecting this officiating crew to get many “Happy Holiday” cards from the #Rutgers fans #awfulcall pic.twitter.com/OKSfqeVgQp — Todd (@toddc14) November 5, 2017

Not only did Rutgers respond by holding Maryland to a field goal, but the offense put together back-to-back 11-play touchdown drives.

"I'm sure all it did was make (our defense) play harder," offensive lineman Dorian Miller said. "It's like a little bit of reverse psychology going on. They were mad and angry. It was kind of a gift and a curse at the same time. It kind of motivated them and luckily they were able to channel their emotions and make a stop."

Ash didn't want to criticize the officials and "get in trouble."

But halfback Robert Martin admitted there was "a couple calls I didn't agree with."

He added, "The fans didn't agree with it, either. They saw what we saw. We were all on the same page with that one."

The irony is that Rutgers nearly didn't have a home-field advantage for the game.

Because of a contract agreed upon in 2015, Rutgers-Maryland was scheduled to be played at Yankee Stadium until two weeks ago.

A large subsection of an unhappy fan base essentially boycotted the game and forced a decline in season tickets -- and even was reluctant to embrace the late venue switch.

But those who showed up proved what a difference the crowd makes.

"This crowd -- it doesn't matter how many people show up -- we know it's always going to be a hectic environment," cornerback Isaiah Wharton said. "Our fans take a lot of pride in cheering for us. It's our job to put on a show for them."

Long after the impact of the call was negated -- with Maryland driving for the potential tying score in the final minute -- the crowd still was energized. And the officials took a Maryland touchdown off the scoreboard by flagging a holding penalty.

"Created a tremendous environment in the stadium," Ash said, "and when we needed them most there on that last drive, they were loud."

The empty seats caught the attention of two Rutgers quarterback greats who are urging the fan base to show more support:

Congrats to @CoachChrisAsh and @RFootball. I hate seeing the stadium looking like it’s more than half empty on tv. Cmon #RFootball fans. — Mike Teel (@MTeel14) November 4, 2017

Great win! Very proud of those RU boys! 3 BIG Ten wins! #scarletknights #RFootball. If we can beat Indiana. We need to pack the Point! — Ryan Hart (@RyanHart13) November 4, 2017

I was there. It was bad. We need more. Winning helps. We are getting there. https://t.co/hmQStXlvgz — Ryan Hart (@RyanHart13) November 5, 2017

Ryan Dunleavy may be reached at rdunleavy@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @rydunleavy. Find NJ.com Rutgers Football on Facebook.