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Game Week: Rutgers vs. Norfolk State

Instead of playing on the road each of the last three seasons, Rutgers will open up the season at home this Saturday on Sept. 5 at noon against Norfolk State. The Spartans, from the Division I-AA ranks will try and come to Piscataway and pull the upset.

Rutgers Scarlet Knights running back Paul James (34) scores the touchdown in 1st quarter as Rutgers takes on Norfolk State in football at Highpoint Solutions Stadium in Piscataway, NJ 9/7/13 (William Perlman/The Star-Ledger)

Rutgers Scarlet Knights running back Paul James (34) scores the touchdown in 1st quarter as Rutgers takes on Norfolk State in football at Highpoint Solutions Stadium in Piscataway, NJ 9/7/13 (William Perlman/The Star-Ledger)

Location: Norfolk, Va.

Founded: 1935.

Enrollment: 6,027.

Conference: Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC).

Website: nsuspartans.com

Head Coach: Latrell Scott (1st season, 25-9 in three seasons overall)

About the coach: Scott enters his first campaign for the Spartans after compiling a 19-4 record, one CIAA championship and an NCAA Division II playoff victory at Virginia State.

2014 Overall Record: 4-8 (4-4 MEAC, 6th place).

Series history: Rutgers leads, 3-0.

Last meeting: Rutgers, 38-0 in 2013.

Starters Returning: 15 (Offense: 9, Defense: 5, Special Teams: 1).

Letterwinners Returning: 54 (Offense: 24, Defense: 29, Special Teams: 1).

Offense system: Multiple.

Defense: 3-4.

Returning Statistical Leaders

Passing: Terrance Ervin (102-188 passing, 1,310 yards, 8 TD, 9 INT).

Rushing: Terrance Ervin (125 carries, 180 yards, 1 TD); Eric Pittman (26 carries, 114 yards).

Receiving: Isaac White (48 rec., 664 yards, 13.8 ypc., 7 TD); Markice Street (15 rec., 236 yards, 15.7 ypc.).

Total Offense: Terrance Ervin (1,490 yards).

Kicking: Cameron Marouf (10-15 field goals, 51 long, 2 blocked).

Punting: Dylan Shaddix (73 punts, 41.3 avg., 69 long, 8 touchbacks, 15 fair catch, 19 inside-20, 4 blocked).

Defense: Deon King (LB, 106 tackles, 18 tackles-for-loss, 7.5 sacks, 1 INT);  Lamar Neal (LB, 85 tackles, 3.5 TFL, 1 sack); Brandon Walker (DB, 43 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack).

Did you know? Rutgers has outscored Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) foes, 376-39, in nine games since 2006. Included in that ledger are three shutout wins over Norfolk State by a combined 128-0 score.

Information above from Keith Sargeant at NJ.com.

However, it will not be as easy as it seems. Scott, the new head coach, is an offensive minded coach who shook up the coaching staff and has worked with Ervin at quarterback, who now has experience from playing last year. Gerard Johnson transferred from Old Dominion and will help out at running back. King is an experienced linebacker who is a two time All-MEAC performer and 2015 preseason FCS All-American.

Look for NSU to come out throwing quick, short passes while also running some to keep the defense off-balance.

 

For more information, check out Dan Duggan’s Q&A at NJ.com with a Norfolk State football beat writer.

 

Keep it locked to Double G Sports all season long to stay informed on Rutgers football.

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