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RUTGERS (1-0) 63, NORFOLK STATE (0-1) 13
HIGH POINT SOLUTIONS STADIUM • PISCATAWAY, N.J.
SEPTEMBER 5, 2015 • ATTENDANCE: 47,453

PARTICIPATION

First career start (12): DE Quanzell Lambert, NT Sebastian Joseph, DT Julian Pinnix-Odrick, CB Isaiah Wharton, CB Blessuan Austin, WR Carlton Agudosi, LG Dorian Miller, C Derrick Nelson, RT J.J. Denman, TE Matt Flanagan, QB Hayden Rettig, FB Sam Bergen

First appearance for Rutgers with previous collegiate experience (2): LB Kaiwan Lewis, K Chris Gough

Division I collegiate debut (18): DB Ronnie James, DB Saquan Hampton, DB Blessuan Austin, QB Hayden Rettig, DB Isaiah Wharton, LB Trevor Morris, DB Jarius Adams, LB Deonte Roberts, LB Eric Margolis, LB Isaiah Johnson, OL Tariq Cole, OL Marcus Applefield, OL Zack Heeman, DL Eric Wiafe, DL Jon Bateky, DL Jimmy Hogan, DL Kevin Wilkins, TE Anthony Folkerts

True freshman who played (7): DB Ronnie James, DB Blessuan Austin, LB Trevor Morris, DB Jarius Adams, LB Deonte Roberts, DL Jon Bateky, TE Anthony Folkerts

TEAM NOTES

- Rutgers put up 63 points, the most for the team since scoring that many against Louisville in a 2008 win. It was the highest numbers of points in a season opener since tallying 68 versus Colgate in 1993. The total was also the highest number under head coach Kyle Flood, surpassing the 55 recorded in a 2013 win at SMU.

- Rutgers won its season opener for the third time in four seasons under Flood and improved to 4-0 in home openers during that time. Overall, RU is now 75-62-9 all-time in season openers and 11-5 since 2000.

- Rutgers has scored at least 41 points in the last three season openers.

- Rutgers totaled 539 yards on offense, the most since putting up 543 in the 2013 opener at Fresno State. It was the second consecutive game going over 500, as the Scarlet Knights racked up 524 in the Quick Lane Bowl.

- The defense allowed -3 rushing yards, the sixth-lowest mark permitted since 2000. It was also the sixth time an opponent registered negative rushing yards during that span and the first time since the record of -25 in 2009 versus Texas Southern.

- Rutgers is now 49-15 when holding an opponent below 100 rushing yards since 2000.

- The offense allowed zero sacks and has relinquished just two over the last five games dating back to last year.

- Rutgers improved to 4-0 in the all-time series versus Norfolk State.

- Flood is now 11-1 in games played in September, winning by the margin of 375-166.

- Rutgers is now 49-15 when holding an opponent below 100 rushing yards since 2000.

- The defense picked up four sacks and seven quarterback hurries. That makes it 13 hurries in the last two games. Overall, 11 RU players were in on a tackle-for-loss to record nine for the game.

INDIVIDUAL NOTES

WR Leonte Carroo
- Totaled three touchdown receptions on three catches.
- Now has 22 career receiving touchdowns to set the school receiving.
- Scored a touchdown on his first reception of the year for the third consecutive season, totaling 14 catches, 415 yards and seven touchdowns in the last three season openers.
- Has played 24 games at receiver in his career and has a catch in the last 21 consecutively.
- Averaging a touchdown every 3.9 receptions (86 receptions, 22 touchdowns) in his career.
- Totaled 129 receiving yards to pick up his ninth career 100-yard game, tying Tim Brown (2006-09) for third-most 100-yard receiving games in program history.
- Owns eight career multiple-touchdown games and three with three scores. No other player in RU history has two games with three touchdowns scored.

WR Janarion Grant
- Scored his second career kickoff for a touchdown. Also did that in the 2013 opener at Fresno State.

PK Kyle Federico
- Made a career-high nine extra points in as many attempts. His previous best was seven in 2013 at SMU.

RB Josh Hicks
- Rushed for 118 yards to make it his third game with over 100. It was his second consecutive game over that mark as he totaled 202 in the Quick Lane Bowl.

QB Hayden Rettig
- Made his first career start and completed his first four passes, including a touchdown pass to Matt Flanagan. Became just the sixth different quarterback to start a game for RU since the start of the 2006 season (excluding starting in the wildcat formation).
- Rushed for first career score in the second quarter.

QB Chris Laviano
- Completed all four attempts, with three for touchdowns.
- First career touchdown pass to Carroo in the third quarter.
- Totaled a career-high 138 passing yards.

LB Steve Longa
- Had four tackles to tie for the team lead and has led or tied the team lead in tackles in 18-of-27 career games.

DB Blessuan Austin
- Became the first true freshman to start the season opener for Rutgers since Mohamed Sanu in 2009.
- Made a pass breakup on first defensive play.

DL Julian Pinnix-Odrick
- Had a team-high three quarterback hurries and two pass breakups.