Scarlet Knights Game Preview - Norfolk State
Aug 26 | Football
NORFOLK STATE (0-0) at RUTGERS (0-0)
Thursday, Sept. 2 • 7:30 p.m. • ESPN3.com
Rutgers Stadium (52,454) • Piscataway, N.J.
Series: Rutgers leads, 1-0
TV: None
Internet Broadcast: ESPN3.com
Dave Popkin (play-by-play), Drew Henson (color),
Radio: Rutgers Radio Network
WOR-710 AM (New York City)
97.5 The Fanatic (Philadelphia)
WCTC-1450 AM (New Brunswick)
Chris Carlin (play-by-play), Doug Graber (color), Anthony Fucilli (sideline)
Rutgers begins its 141st season of college football Thursday, Sept. 2 as the Scarlet Knights host Norfolk State. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. from Rutgers Stadium.
ESPN3.com will have live coverage via the Internet of the game broadcast with Dave Popkin and Drew Henson on the call.
The Rutgers Radio Network begins pre-game coverage at 6:30 p.m. as Chris Carlin calls the action with former Rutgers head coach Doug Graber (color analyst) and Anthony Fucilli (sidelines) on WOR-710 AM in New York City, WCTC-1450 AM in Central Jersey and 97.5 The Fanatic in Philadelphia and South Jersey. Ray Lucas is scheduled to miss the first month of broadcasts as he recovers from neck surgery.
Head Coach Greg Schiano
Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano (Bucknell '88) begins his 10th season with the Scarlet Knights. Schiano will be just the fourth coach in BIG EAST history to coach 10 seasons at the same school, joining Paul Pasqualoni (Syracuse, 14 years), Frank Beamer (Virginia Tech, 13 years) and Don Nehlen (West Virginia, 10 years). Schiano is the sixth-winningest coach all-time in victories in the BIG EAST (55-55).
The 2006 National and BIG EAST Coach of the Year, Schiano has guided Rutgers to a school-record five consecutive bowl appearances, including four straight bowl victories.
Rankings
Rutgers opens the season not ranked in the Associated Press and USA Today Coaches Top 25 polls. Norfolk State is also not ranked.
Norfolk State Series
Rutgers and Norfolk State have met one previous time as the Scarlet Knights defeated the Spartans 59--0 on Sept. 15, 2007. Ray Rice rushed for three touchdowns to help No. 13 Rutgers to a convincing 59-0 homecoming victory over Norfolk State at Rutgers Stadium. Wide receivers Tiquan Underwood and Kenny Britt each exceeded the century mark and hauled in touchdown passes to provide the Scarlet Knights their 10th straight home win.
The offense did the majority of its damage in the second quarter, scoring a school and BIG EAST record 42 points en route to a 45-0 halftime lead.
The 59-point differential marked the largest margin of victory during the Schiano era. The previous record was 49 in Rutgers' 56-7 win over Howard on Sept. 23, 2006. The win also signaled the largest shutout in the Schiano era, beating the old record, a 44-0 win over Army on Sept. 14, 2002.
Next Game
Rutgers faces its first road game of the 2010 season Saturday, Sept. 11 at Florida International in Miami. It will be the second time Rutgers and FIU have met on the gridiron, with the Scarlet Knights claiming a 23-15 victory over the Golden Panthers in 2009 at Rutgers Stadium. The game is slated for a 8 p.m. kickoff with live television coverage on SNY and WPVI-DT2. Mike Gleason and John Congemi have the call on ESPN Regional Television.
Opening Act
Rutgers is 70-61-9 all-time in season openers, including a 5-4 mark under Schiano. The Scarlet Knights have won six of their last nine season openers.
Rutgers owns a 95-36-10 overall record in home openers.
Season Opening Games during the Schiano Era
8/30/01 at Buffalo W, 31-15
8/31/02 Villanova L, 37-19
8/30/03 Buffalo W, 24-10
9/4/04 Michigan State (ABC) W, 19-14
9/3/05 at Illinois (ESPN2) L, 33-30
9/2/06 at North Carolina (ABC) W, 21-16
8/30/07 Buffalo (ESPN Regional) W, 38-3
9/1/08 #25 Fresno State (ESPN) L, 24-7
9/7/09 Cincinnati (ESPN) L, 47-15
Welcome to 2010
Rutgers returns 16 starters and 45 letterwinners from last season's team that finished the year 9-4, including a 45-24 victory over UCF in the 2009 St. Petersburg Bowl. Three of Rutgers' four losses were to teams that combined to win 31 games (Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, West Virginia) a season ago.
Rutgers Returns in 2010 ...
Category Percent Returning
Starters 66.7% (16-of-24)
Letterwinners 64.3% (45-of-70)
Passing Yards 90.1% (2,249-of-2,495)
Rushing Yards 80.1% (1,412-of-1,747)
Receiving Yards 45.5% (1,134-of-2,495)
Passing Touchdowns 100.0% (15-of-15)
Rushing Touchdowns 76.2% (16-of-21)
Receiving Touchdowns 26.6% (4-of-15)
Receptions 55.2% (91-of-165)
Tackles 55.2% (485-of-879)
Sacks 71.3% (28.5-of-40.0)
Tackles for Loss 64.6% (73-of-113)
Interceptions 60.0% (9-of-15)
Looking Back at a Successful 2009
• Rutgers finished the season 9-4 after a 45-24 victory December 19 vs. UCF in the St. Petersburg Bowl
• Defensively, Rutgers was ranked in the top 20 nationally in six different categories
• Rutgers was first nationally in fumbles recovered and tackles for loss and ranked second in turnover margin
• The Rutgers defense was also fourth in the nation in sacks, fifth in turnovers gained, ninth in first downs allowed, 10th in third down efficiency defense and 10th in fourth down efficiency defense
• Rutgers led the BIG EAST in total defense, scoring defense, turnover margin and tackles for loss
• With a true freshman starting at quarterback, Rutgers won nine games in a season for just the sixth time in school history, including a
31-0 victory over then 23rd-ranked USF
Watch Out for These Knights
Three Scarlet Knights have been included on the preseason watch list for several individual awards.
Sophomore quarterback Tom Savage was named to the preseason watch list for the Maxwell Award, recognizing the nation's top player, and the Davey O'Brien Award, given to the nation's best quarterback.
Sophomore wide receiver Mohamed Sanu was named to the preseason watch list for the Paul Hornung Award, awarded to the nation's most versatile player.
Redshirt sophomore tight end D.C. Jefferson was named to the preseason watch list for the John Mackey Award, honoring the nation's top tight end.
Starting Strong in September
Rutgers is 19-14 (.575) overall under Greg Schiano in the month of September. Over the last five years - all seasons that concluded with bowl appearances - Rutgers is 14-6 (.700) in September.
In September home games since 2005, Rutgers is 11-4 (.733) overall. Last season, Rutgers was 3-1 in September.
The 19 wins in September are the most for any one month for Rutgers during the Schiano era.
Year-by-Year in September Under Schiano
Year Overall
2001 0-3
2002 1-3
2003 2-1
2004 2-1
2005 3-1
2006 5-0
2007 2-1
2008 1-3
2009 3-1
Total 19-14
Welcome Back to Rutgers Stadium
The renovation of Rutgers Stadium was completed for the season-opener in 2009 vs. Cincinnati. The expanded stadium features more than 11,000 new seats in the south end zone, including a new HD scoreboard and sound system.
Dedicated on November 5, 1938, the original Rutgers Stadium featured seating for 23,000 spectators from 1938-1992. All-time, Rutgers was 168-53-4 in the original stadium.
The "new" Rutgers Stadium was expanded to seat 41,500 fans beginning in 1994. The venue featured the most memorable game in Rutgers history in 2006 as the Scarlet Knights kept their undefeated season alive with a 28-25 victory over No. 3 Louisville. All-time, Rutgers was 39-45 in the expanded venue.
With the seating capacity of 52,454, Rutgers looks to continue its recent winning ways at Rutgers Stadium in 2010.
The Scarlet Knights have a streak of six straight winning seasons at Rutgers Stadium, including a 20-8 mark since 2006.
Captains Named for 2010 Season
Howard Barbieri, Joe Lefeged and Charlie Noonan have been named team captains for the 2010 season. Barbieri and Noonan have been part of Rutgers' four consecutive teams that have won bowl games while Lefeged has played in the previous three bowl victories for the Scarlet Knights.
Barbieri, a fifth-year senior, enters his first season as the starter at center for the Scarlet Knights. A former walk-on, Barbieri has played every position on the offensive line during his career at Rutgers, along with tight end. The New Jersey native has 13 career starts on the RU offensive line.
Lefeged begins his fourth year "On the Banks" and has been a key defensive back since his true freshman season. A Preseason All-BIG EAST performer by various media outlets, Lefeged has played in 38 career games, including 26 starts. Last season, the strong safety totaled 44 tackles to go along with a 91-yard kickoff return for a touchdown vs. West Virginia. In his career, Lefeged has 154 tackles, including 10 for loss and 5.5 sacks.
Noonan returns for his fifth year after graduating in May from Rutgers. The Pennsylvania native started all 12 games he played in a season ago at nose tackle for the Scarlet Knights. A hard-nosed defensive lineman who has overcome multiple surgical procedures on his knee during his career, Noonan has 34 career tackles in 36 games played.
Howard Lending a Helping Hand Off the Field
Howard Barbieri was selected to the 19th annual Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. The team honors the distinguished group of college football players who stand out for the positive influence they have in their communities by the Allstate Insurance Company and the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA).
Barbieri is just one of several Scarlet Knights who are active in giving back to their local communities. The New Jersey native is active in Special Olympics New Jersey, Read Across America and visiting children in local hospitals in the New Brunswick area. Last year, defensive back Billy Andrerson was named to the team while Tiquan Underwood earned the AFCA Good Works Team accolades in 2008.
In the areas of giving back and volunteerism, the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team® represents the "best of the best" among more than 50,000 student-athletes participating in the sport at all four-year institutions. The total eclipses the 106 nominees achieved last season, demonstrating the continued growth of a platform that is widely recognized as the most prestigious community service award in college football.
Rutgers vs. the MEAC
Rutgers is 6-0 all-time vs. schools from the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC). The Scarlet Knights are 3-0 under Greg Schiano vs. MEAC opponents by a combined score of 142-7.
Opening Day Notes
Rutgers has scored 50 or more points in a season-opener four times, including a 68-6 victory over Colgate on Sept. 4, 1993. The school record for most points in the first game of the season was 79 after the Scarlet Knights defeated U.S. Merchant Marine 79-6 on Sept. 24, 1949.
The last time Rutgers played on Sept. 2, the Scarlet Knights stopped North Carolina 21-16 in Chapel Hill to open the 2006 season.
Rutgers has posted 33 shutouts all-time in season-openers, with the last coming on Sept. 8, 1979 (28-0 victory over Holy Cross).
Overtime Record
Rutgers is 1-3 all-time in overtime games. In their last overtime game, the Scarlet Knights lost 41-39 in triple overtime at West Virginia on Dec. 2, 2006. All four overtime games have come versus BIG EAST competition. The lone overtime win in school history for the Scarlet Knights was a 24-21 victory over Syracuse (11/13/99).
Memorable Season Openers
Here is a look back at some of the most memorable season openers for the Scarlet Knights.
2007 - Rutgers 38, Buffalo 3 (8/30/2007 in Piscataway)
Rutgers cruised to an easy 38-3 victory over Buffalo as junior WR Tiquan Underwood set a school record with 248 yards receiving. The New Jersey native hauled in 10 receptions on the night, including a pair of touchdowns in the 35-point victory.
2006 - Rutgers 21, North Carolina 16 (9/2/2006) in Chapel Hill)
Rutgers' historic 2006 season began with an All-America performance by Ray Rice as the sophomore running back rushed for 201 yards to lead the Scarlet Knights to a 21-16 victory on the road in Chapel Hill. The victory propelled Rutgers to a 9-0 start in 2006 en route to an overall record of 11-2 and a 12th place finish in the final national rankings.
2004 - Rutgers 19, Michigan State 14 (9/4/2004 in Piscataway)
In front of an ABC television audience and a sell-out crowd at Rutgers Stadium, Rutgers stopped Michigan State 19-14 to open the 2004 season. PK Jeremy Ito connected on four field goals and DE Ryan Neill returned an interception 31 yards for a touchdown in the win.
2001 - Rutgers 31, Buffalo 15 (8/30/2001 in Buffalo)
The first game of the Greg Schiano era finished in the win column for the Scarlet Knights. RB Dennis Thomas rushed for 177 yards on 30 carries and QB Ryan Cubit threw for 157 yards and two touchdowns in his first game as a Scarlet Knight to help secure the victory.
1991 - Rutgers 20, Boston College 13 (8/31/1991 in Piscataway)
Rutgers and Boston College played the inaugural BIG EAST conference game as the Scarlet Knights defeated the Eagles 20-13 at Rutgers Stadium. RB Bill Bailey scored the first touchdown in league history just 1:17 into the game while QB Tom Tarver threw for 275 yards and a touchdown.
1988 - Rutgers 17, #15/14 Michigan St. 13 (9/10/1988 in East Lansing)
The 1988 season began with a bang as Rutgers upset Michigan State 17-13 in East Lansing. QB Scott Erney completed 25-of-36 passes for 239 yards and LB Doug Kokoskie recovered a MSU fumble at the RU 10-yard line with 5:32 remaining to seal the upset over the defending Rose Bowl champions.
1985 - Rutgers 28, #3 Florida 28 (9/14/1985 in Gainesville)
Backup QB Joe Gagliardi came off the bench to rally Rutgers and complete a two-point conversion pass to Curtis Stephens with 35 seconds remaining as the Scarlet Knights, trailing by 21 points at one point, tied third-ranked Florida, 28-28 in Gainesville.
1984 - #11/7 Penn St. 15, Rutgers 12 (9/8/1984 in State College)
In his first game as head coach at Rutgers, Dick Anderson returned to State College to face Penn State, where he spent 11 years as an assistant coach under Joe Paterno. Anderson's Scarlet Knights were tied at 10 at halftime versus the nationally-ranked Nittany Lions, but a second-half safety and field goal proved too much as the Scarlet Knights lost 15-12.
1961 - Rutgers 16, Princeton 13 (9/30/1961 in Princeton)
An 83-yard pass play from Bill Speranza to Lee Curley, and a two-point run by Dave Brody with 3:27 to play gave Rutgers a 16-7 edge en route to a 16-13 victory over Princeton, Rutgers' fourth straight win over the Tigers. The win was the first as the Scarlet Knights finished the 1961 season 9-0 - the first undefeated season in school history.
1869 - Rutgers 6, Princeton 4 (11/6/1869 in New Brunswick)
The first college football game was played at College Field in New Brunswick as Rutgers came away with a 6-4 victory.
Two First Round Selections in 2009 NFL Draft
For the first time in school history, Rutgers had two student-athletes selected in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft in April. Junior offensive tackle Anthony Davis became the highest-drafted Scarlet Knight in history after being selected with the 11th overall pick by the San Francisco 49ers. Senior cornerback Devin McCourty followed Davis in the first round by going 27th overall to the New England Patriots.
Rutgers was the first BIG EAST school with two first round picks in the same draft since Miami and Virginia Tech in 2004.
For the second straight year, Rutgers had a player taken in the first round of the NFL Draft. Former All-America wide receiver Kenny Britt was the first player in school history to be selected in the first round of the NFL Draft after the Tennessee Titans chose the New Jersey native with the 30th pick in last year's draft.
Davis was the third player in the Schiano era at Rutgers to leave school early and be selected in the NFL Draft.
Pro Bowl running back Ray Rice left Rutgers following his junior season in 2007 and was a second round draft selection of the Baltimore Ravens in the 2008 NFL Draft. Britt declared for the 2009 NFL Draft and was a first round pick of the Tennessee Titans.
2010 NFL Draft Class
Here is a list of the players from the 2009 squad that have joined the professional ranks:
Anthony Davis, 1st Round, San Francisco 49ers
Devin McCourty, 1st Round, New England Patriots
Ryan D'Imperio, 7th Round, Minnesota Vikings
Tim Brown, Free Agent, New York Giants
Jack Corcoran, Free Agent, Houston Texans
Kevin Haslam, Free Agent, Jacksonville Jaguars
George Johnson, Free Agent, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Nine-Win Season
Rutgers recorded just the sixth nine-win season in school history with a victory versus UCF in the St. Petersburg Bowl. In 140 years of football at Rutgers, the Scarlet Knights have won at least nine games in a season five other times, including two undefeated seasons (1961 and 1976).
Four Consecutive Eight-Win Campaigns
Rutgers has won at least eight games in each of the last four seasons for just the second time in 140 years of football. The only other time in school history Rutgers won at least eight games in a season in four consecutive years was 1975-1979, when the Scarlet Knights posted five straight eight-win seasons.
The Turnover Story in 2009
Rutgers turned the ball over just 14 times in 13 games in 2009. During Greg Schiano's nine-year tenure, the 14 turnovers were the fewest amount for Rutgers for an entire season.
Defensively, the Scarlet Knights gained 34 turnovers on the year. The 34 turnovers rank as the highest season total under Schiano.
Protecting the Pigskin
Rutgers is +28 in turnover differential over its last 20 games (16-4). The Scarlet Knights gained 34 turnovers in 2009, including at least one in 12 of the 13 games.
Rutgers finished second in the nation in turnover margin in 2009 (+1.54).
In 2009, Rutgers was +20 in turnover differential (34 turnovers, 14 giveaways). Over the last 20 games, Rutgers has gained a total of 51 turnovers.
Wright Lost for Season
Sophomore WR Tim Wright was lost for the season with a right knee injury suffered in preseason camp. He was Rutgers' most improved offensive player in spring practice 2010.
Freshman All-America QB Tom Savage
Tom Savage was named Rutgers' offensive MVP following the 2009 season. Savage, a FWAA First Team Freshman All-America selection, finished the season with 2,211 passing yards and 14 touchdown passes. He finished sixth in Rutgers single-season history with 2,211 passing yards.
Savage joined an impressive list of quarterbacks who have been named the quarterback of the FWAA Freshman All-America squad. Some of the past FWAA Freshman All-America quarterbacks include Sam Bradford in 2007, Colt McCoy in 2006, Chad Henne in 2004 and Ben Roethlisberger in 2001.
He threw for the most yards by a true freshman in BIG EAST single-season history in 2009. He finished the season second nationally among all true freshman quarterbacks in passing yards and touchdowns.
FWAA Freshman All-America Honors for Vallone
Rutgers landed two players on the prestigious Football Writers Association of America 2009 Freshman All-America Team. Quarterback Tom Savage and redshirt freshman defensive tackle Scott Vallone were named to the team.
Rutgers was one of just two schools to have two players named to the team, along with Oregon. Of the 28 players honored, the team was exactly split between true freshmen and redshirt freshmen.
Savage and Vallone were the first Scarlet Knights named to the FWAA Freshman All-America Team since Anthony Davis in 2007. Courtney Greene was also selected as a FWAA Freshman All-America in 2005.
Vallone was a major force on Rutgers' defensive line in his first year as a starter. The New York native started all 13 games and finished 2009 with 41 tackles, including nine behind the line of scrimmage. He was a key cog in a Rutgers defense that is first nationally in fumbles recovered and tackles for loss and ranks second in turnover margin.
