OTB Staff Picks: Rutgers vs Norfolk State

Rutgers football will be looking to get its fifth 3-0 start in a row on Saturday as it takes on Norfolk State on Sunday. Both teams are coming off a win as the Knights beat Miami (OH) 45-17 and the Spartans beat DII Virginia State in a 34-31 overtime thriller. The game is slated for a 3:30 kickoff time.

Andrew Rice: Rutgers’ offense looked as good as ever in their win over Miami (OH). The defense had some costly miscues, but overall took a step up from week one. They should be coming into this game in better shape with the knowledge from last week’s win against a much better opponent. On the flip side, Norfolk State surrendered over 100 receiving yards to Virginia State wide receiver Marquis Smith. Ian Strong, KJ Duff, and DT Sheffield are a huge step up from that level of competition, meaning the offense will go largely unopposed in the air and score a lot of points. Expect the backups to be in at the end of this game on the offensive side of the ball, while the defensive starters get taken out much later so they can get more reps. Even still, staying with the “work in progress” mentality, the defense will take another step up from last week, especially in the secondary.

Rutgers 56, Norfolk State 7

Arnav Sarkar: Norfolk State is coming off a 34-31 overtime victory over Division II Virginia State, one in which they had to come back from behind to secure. Against fellow FCS member Towson, the Spartans fell 27-7 at home to open the season. This game is designed to be a huge mismatch, and that is how it will play out. Rutgers has looked like a quality offense against these opponents in past seasons when they have been anything but, so this year, the Scarlet Knights should have no problem putting up points on Norfolk State. The defensive side of the ball has shown some improvements after a shaky opener, but this is a week when they should be able to buckle down and put pressure on both Otto Kuhns and Israel Carter for the entire contest. Rutgers will have massive size and strength advantages on both sides of the line of scrimmage, and even if you ignore the talent advantages Rutgers will have in the skill positions, that is often all it takes to make this a lopsided affair. The backups will play in the second half, but that won’t stop the Scarlet Knights from scoring in this game.

Rutgers 52, Norfolk State 6

Amar Shah: Rutgers enters this matchup in rhythm after two confident performances to start the season. The Scarlet Knights should have no trouble moving the ball through the air, as Wimsatt will find mismatches against a Norfolk State secondary that has struggled against far less talented opponents. Despite the strong start last year and eventual plummet, Ian Strong and KJ Duff are leading the receiving corps; the offense should stay balanced and efficient. On defense, Rutgers’ front seven will dominate the line of scrimmage, collapse the pocket, and make life difficult for both Kuhns and Carter. Turnovers are likely, giving Rutgers’ offense even more opportunities to stretch the lead. By halftime, the Scarlet Knights should be firmly in control, and backups will get extended reps in the second half. This is the kind of matchup that allows Rutgers to polish its game before tougher Big Ten play arrives.

Rutgers 55, Norfolk State 10

John Catapano: Virginia State QB Rahsaan Matthews threw for 299 yards against the Spartans’ defense, so it is hard to imagine a scenario where the Spartans can shut down Rutgers’ electric receiving trio of Ian Strong, KJ Duff, and DT Sheffield. Don’t be surprised if Ben Black and the younger receivers are getting long looks today, along with 3rd-string back Ja’shon Benjamin taking the bulk of carries as Rutgers looks to get their stars some extra rest in preparation for a crucial early-season Friday Night Lights matchup in Piscataway against Iowa and their stifling defense. This is also a good opportunity to get backup quarterback AJ Surace some meaningful snaps so he’s better prepared if he needs to spell Kaliakmanis later in the season.

Norfolk State’s quarterback, Otto Kuhns, completed 13 of 20 passes for 173 yards and 2 TDs against fellow HBCU member, Virginia State, last weekend, leading the Spartans to a 34-31 overtime victory. With the way the Rutgers secondary has performed, or maybe not performed, the last two weeks, don’t be surprised if Kuhns puts up similar stats. In the end, the biggest fireworks from Norfolk State will be during their band’s fabulous halftime show. Rutgers sets a program record with their seventh consecutive game scoring 30+ points.

Rutgers 45 Norfolk State 17

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