Rapid Reax: Rutgers Shuts Out Norfolk State, 38-0

Rutgers simply had to rely on talent today, as the Norfolk State Spartans had a tough time hanging with the Scarlet Knights. Execution was a tad sloppy for RU, but with the Spartans cramping up by the third quarter, it wasn't much of a match once the BCS-level talent came through. Here are some quick thoughts before the full recap gets posted Sunday:

• Ron Prince is doing really well as the offensive coordinator. With two backs going for 90+ yards, this is the running game that Rutgers has been waiting for. No longer one-dimensional, Savon Huggins was able to keep the momentum going with some strong runs in the third quarter. Four rushing TDs from Paul James and Huggins really showed off the power running that Kyle Flood wants. Prince even went up-tempo in the second half, taking advantage of the gassed Norfolk State players.
• Norfolk State is really weak at quarterback, so the jury is still out on the revamped secondary. We may not know until Arkansas comes to Piscataway on September 21.
• The RU defensive line got great penetration on the Spartan offensive line, even the backups. After Darius Hamilton and Isaac Holmes were done for the day, Al Page was still getting through. DL coach Jim Panagos has some real talent and depth to work with, even with Pollard and Jackson giving up football.
• Gary Nova had pedestrian numbers, but he was able to complete balls to seven different receivers, with no more than two receptions per receiver. He's not looking to throw to one guy; instead he's throwing the ball all over the field.
• Still lots of penalties. Kyle Flood is quickly gaining a reputation for a sloppy team during the early part of the season.
• The white helmets looked great today, real sharp with the all white uniforms.