Rutgers shook off a sluggish start and pulled away from visiting Norfolk State in the second half for a 31-0 win in Thursday's season opener.

The Scarlet Knights got two field goals from San San Te field goals and led 6-0 at halftime.

They pushed the lead to 21-0 in the third quarter on a Joe Martinek six-yard touchdown run and Joe Lefedged's score off a blocked punt. Martinek led Rutgers with 109 yards rushing on 20 carriers

Quarterback Tom Savage's 10-yard touchdown pass to Mohamed Sanu midway through the fourth quarter sealed an opening win for the Scarlet Knights.
Savage was just 10 of 19 for 148 yards.

While the Rutgers' offense struggled, the defense was staunch. Norfolk State managed only 156 total yards and eight first downs. The visiting Spartans of the FCS converted only 1 of 13 third-down attempts.