PISCATAWAY, N.J. - If there was still some lingering concern about how Rutgers would divide one football into five proven running backs, it's gone now.

With all but Desmon Peoples (injury) available for today's season opener against Norfolk State, the Scarlet Knights managed to find a way to see their four active running backs emerge from the 63-13 victory over Norfolk State at High Point Solutions Stadium feeling good about their roles and contributions.

"This shows that everybody can get a piece of the pie," said sophomore running back Josh Hicks. "When your number is called you've got to be ready and produce. We were all able to do that. This is the outcome."

"This" was 291 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 47 carries, with Hicks leading the way by picking up where he left off in the Quick Lane Bowl in December, when he rushed for202 yards.

The powerful 5-10, 215-pounder rushed for 118 yards and two scores on 18 carries against the Spartans.

But the ground game success went deeper than that. Fifth-year senior Paul James, sidelined almost a full year following an injury last season, returned with 82 yards on 15 carries, while sophomore Robert Martin added 69 yards on 10 carries.

Justin Goodwin had just two carries but one was a three-yard touchdown run.

"Everyone did their part -- the receivers, the offensive line and the running backs who hit the holes and made things happen," said Hicks.

James was energized by his return after having his season cut short after four games in 2014.

"It was great," he said. "It was great to be back out there, to be back on the field and back with the team.

"Overall, I thought we did a good job running the football. We were able to roll running backs and have each one produce numbers so I feel like it was a great start and the offensive line really helped us out with the holes they opened up."

Fullback Sam Bergen also saw the strong showing by the running game as an endorsement for the rebuilt offensive line, which featured three first-time starters in left guard Dorian Miller, center Derrick Nelson and right tackle J.J. Denman.

"Our backs did great, but it all starts with the offensive line," Bergen said. "They played great. When you have a lot of different areas playing well these are the kind of statistics you get."